Thermomagnetic properties and its effects on Fisher entropy with Schioberg plus Manning-Rosen potential (SPMRP) using Nikiforov-Uvarov functional analysis (NUFA) and supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SUSYQM) methods

Thermomagnetic properties, and its effects on Fisher information entropy with Schioberg plus Manning-Rosen potential are studied using NUFA and SUSYQM methods in the presence of the Greene-Aldrich approximation scheme to the centrifugal term. The wave function obtained was used to study Fisher information both in position and momentum spaces for different quantum states by the gamma function and digamma polynomials. The energy equation obtained in a closed form was used to deduce numerical energy spectra, partition function, and other thermomagnetic properties. The results show that with an application of AB and magnetic fields, the numerical energy eigenvalues for different magnetic quantum spins decrease as the quantum state increases and completely removes the degeneracy of the energy spectra. Also, the numerical computation of Fisher information satisfies Fisher information inequality products, indicating that the particles are more localized in the presence of external fields than in their absence, and the trend shows complete localization of quantum mechanical particles in all quantum states. Our potential reduces to Schioberg and Manning-Rosen potentials as special cases. Our potential reduces to Schioberg and Manning-Rosen potentials as special cases. The energy equations obtained from the NUFA and SUSYQM were the same, demonstrating a high level of mathematical precision.

[The common morphology and clinical significance of the axillary arch]

Axillary arch is the most common type of axillary muscle fiber variation, with about 10.8% incidence in the Chinese population. Its natural forms are varied and fluid, with different starting points and terminations, and clinicians frequently lack recognition. Under commonly applicated sentinel lymph node biopsy, the axillary arch has been endowed with more clinical significance. The fabric of axillary arch will not only block lymphatic drainage in axilla and unclear anatomical level of axillary dissection, but also compress the axillary neurovascular bundle, causing upper limb venous thrombosis, lymphedema and nerve entrapment. The intumescent axillary arch may also show abnormal axillary bulge. In addition to finding axillary arch during cadaveric study and operation, several of imaging methods availably diagnose axillary arch preoperative, which can create new way for detection of axillary arch and extension of the surgical plan of sentinel lymph node biopsy. Although embryology and comparative anatomy have been used to explain the origin of the axillary arch, most of the ideas are still hypotheses and need further study.

Does Weekends Effect Exist in Asia? Analysis of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in A Medical Center

BACKGROUND

Discussing the quality measurements based on interrupted time series in ischemic stroke, delays are often attributed to weekends effect. This study compared the metrics and outcomes of emergent endovascular thrombectomy (EST) during working hours versus non-working hours in the emergency department of an Asian medical center.

METHODS

A total of 297 patients who underwent EST between January 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively included, with 52.5% of patients presenting during working hours and 47.5% presenting during nights, weekends, or holidays.

RESULTS

Patients with diabetes were more in non-working hours than in working hours (53.9% vs. 41.0%; p=0.026). It took longer during nonworking hours than working hours in door-to -image times (13 min vs. 12 min; p=0.04) and door-to-groin puncture times (median: 112 min vs. 104 min; p=0.042). Significant statistical differences were not observed between the two groups in neurological outcomes, including successful reperfusion and complications such as intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. However, the change in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores in 24 hours was better in the working-hour group than in the nonworking-hour group (4 vs. 2; p=0.058).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that nonworking-hour effects truly exist in patients who received EST. Although delays in door-to-groin puncture times were noticed during nonworking hours, significant differences in neurological functions and mortality were not observed between working and non-working hours. Nevertheless, methods to improve the process during non-working hours should be explored in the future.

[Establishment of patient-derived salivary gland basal cell adenoma organoids]

Objective: To establish an in vitro organoid model of human salivary gland basal cell adenoma (BCA). Methods: Fresh tumor sample from a 66-year-old female patient diagnosed with salivary gland BCA was collected from the Dpartment of Oral pathology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in October 2021. And the organoid culture was performed in vitro in a culture medium based on solid droplets of matrix gel, and the growth of the organoid was observed by inverted microscopy. After 14 days, the organoid was fixed in 10% neutral formalin and made into paraffin blocks by agar pre-embedding paraffin embedding method, sectioned. HE staining, morphological observation and immunohistochemical staining of p63, Ki-67, cytokeratin14 (CK14), β-catenin, S-100 and calponin were used for organoids identification. Results: The established BCA organoids were lobulated nodular locally under light microscopy, with deposition of eosinophilic glass-like material around the nests of organoid cells, similar to the morphological architectures of the parental BCA. Immunohistochemistry showed that organoids expressed CK14, p63, and β-catenin in various degree, which was consistent with the immunophenotypic characteristics of the parental BCA tumor cells. Conclusions: An in vitro culture system of BCA organoids was preliminarily established which provides a new model for the study of the pathogenesis of salivary gland tumors.

[Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in lung transplant recipients: three cases report and literature review]

Objective: To report the clinical characteristics and treatment courses of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis(PCI) after lung transplantation(LT). Methods: We included all cases of PCI after LT from March 2017 to June 2021 in China-Japan Friendship Hospital. In addition to our cases, we searched literatures published in Chinese and English languages using China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data and PubMed/MEDLINE with the search terms"pneumatosis intestinalis"and"lung transplantation". The clinical characteristics and treatment courses of all cases were summarized and analyzed. Results: Three cases of PCI occurred after LT in this study, with an incidence of 0.804% (3/373). Thirteen related literatures were retrieved, with 51 cases enrolled. The median age of the 54 patients was 55.4 years (22-79 years), with 33 males and 21 females. 64.81% (35/54) of the 54 patients underwent LT for interstitial lung disease and 90.74% (49/54) underwent bilateral LT. Twenty-two cases(40.7%) were asymptomatic when PCI occurred. Thirty-eight cases (38/54,70.37%)had involvement of ascending colon, and 35 cases(35/54,64.81%)had involvement of transverse colon. Forty-three cases(43/54, 79.63%) were treated conservatively. The average interval between transplantation and PCI was 210 (5-2 495) days. Conclusion: PCI is a rare complication after lung transplantation, most often occurring in the colon. Most patients were asymptomatic and could improve by conservative treatments.

[Evaluation of the diagnosis and treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy induced in the second trimester: a national multicenter retrospective study]

Objective: To study the risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes for induced abortion of cesarean scar pregnancy in midtrimester. Methods: A national multicenter retrospective study was conducted. A total of 154 singletons pregnant women with cesarean scar pregnancy during the second trimester induced abortion by various reasons in 12 tertiary A hospitals were selected, their pregnant outcomes were observed and the risk factors of serious adverse outcomes were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logstic regression; the role of ultrasound and MRI in predicting placenta accreta and severe adverse outcomes was evaluated, the effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in preventing hemorrhage in pregnant women with and without placenta accreta was compared. Results: Among 154 subjects, the rate of placenta accreta was 42.2% (65/154), the rate of postpartum hemorrhage≥1 000 ml was 39.0% (60/154), the rate of hysterectomy was 14.9% (23/154), the rate of uterine rupture was 0.6% (1/154). The risk factor of postpartum hemorrhage≥1 000 ml and hysterectomy was placenta accreta (P<0.01). For each increase in the number of parity, the risk of placenta accreta increased 2.385 times (95%CI: 1.046-5.439; P=0.039); and the risk of placenta accreta decreased with increasing ultrasound measurement of scar myometrium thickness (OR=0.033, 95%CI: 0.001-0.762; P=0.033). The amount of postpartum hemorrhage and hysterectomy rate in the group with placenta accreta diagnosed by ultrasound combined with MRI were not significantly different from those in the group with placenta accreta diagnosed by ultrasound only or MRI only (all P>0.05). For pregnant women with placenta accreta, there were no significant difference in the amount of bleeding and hysterectomy rate between the UAE group [median: 1 300 ml; 34% (16/47)] and the non-embolization group (all P>0.05); in pregnant women without placenta accreta, the amount of bleeding in the UAE group was lower than that in the non-embolization group (median: 100 vs 600 ml; P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in hysterectomy rate [2% (1/56) vs 9% (3/33); P>0.05]. Conclusions: (1) Placenta accreta is the only risk factor of postpartum hemorrhage≥1 000 ml with hysterectomy for induced abortion of cesarean scar pregnancy in midtrimester; multi-parity and ultrasound measurement of scar myometrium thickness are risk factors for placenta accreta. (2) The technique of using ultrasound and MRI in predicting placenta accreta of cesarean scar pregnancy needs to be improved. (3) It is necessary to discuss of UAE in preventing postpartum hemorrhage for induced abortion of cesarean scar pregnancy in midtrimester.

[Evaluation on applicationof virtual reality technology in dental implant process training]

Objective: To explore the application effect and evaluation of virtual reality technology in oral implant therapy training. Methods: In November 2018, one adult patient (female, 36 years old) with missing right mandibular first molar was treated in the Department of Implantology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University. The three-dimensional virtual models of mandible and implant surgery tools were established, and the virtual reality software (Unity 3D 5.5.1) was imported. Combined with the virtual reality head mounted display, a virtual reality training system simulating the dental implant treatment process was independently developed. Ten refresher doctors and 20 graduate students in Department of Implantology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University from September 2018 to December 2019 were recruited as the experimental objects (no clinical experience was found). According to the level and seniority of doctors, they were randomly divided into virtual training group and conventional training control group, which made the two groups comparable, with 15 in each group. Subjective scores (including anatomical structure, surgical field of vision, cavity preparation, implant placement and process mastery) were given after the corresponding training in the two groups, and the virtual reality training system was used to test. The mesial and distal direction, buccolingual direction, depth and angle deviation of implants before and after the training were analyzed, and the differences between the two groups were compared. Results: The subjective scores of five dimensions in the virtual training group were significantly higher than those in the conventional training control group (P<0.05). In the virtual training group, the mesial and distal, buccolingual, depth and angle deviation of implants were (0.73±0.33), (0.78±0.41), (0.61±0.32) mm and 6.66°±3.87°. All of them were significantly lower than those in the control group [(0.85±0.32), (1.12±0.38), (0.89±0.24) mm and 9.68°±3.74°] (P<0.05). Conclusions: The self-developed virtual reality system of oral implant has good application effect, good operability and predictability. It can be effectively carried out in implant education and training, and it can strengthen skills of doctors, and is conducive to the practical operation.

Use of a Smartphone Application to Speed Up Interhospital Transfer of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients for Thrombectomy

Background: In most countries, large cerebral artery occlusion is identified as the leading cause of disability. In 2015, five large-scale clinical trials confirmed the benefit of intra-arterial thrombectomy. However, thrombectomy is a highly technical and facility-dependent procedure. Primary stroke centers need to transfer patients to comprehensive stroke centers to perform thrombectomy. The time-lapse during interhospital transfer would decrease the chance of the patient's proper recovery. Communication barriers also contribute to this delay.

Aims: We used a smartphone application to overcome communication barriers between hospitals. We aimed to shorten the door-to-puncture time of interhospital transfer patients.

Methods: We began using a smartphone application, “LINE,” to facilitate interhospital communication on May 01, 2018. We carried out retrospective data analyses for all the transfer patients (n = 351), with the primary outcome being the door-to-puncture time in our comprehensive stroke center (China Medical University Hospital). We compared the three periods: May 01 to Dec 31, 2017 (before the use of the smartphone application); May 01 to Dec 31, 2018 (the 1st year of using the smartphone application); and May 01 to Dec 31, 2019 (the 2nd year of using the smartphone application). We also compared the transfer data with non-transfer thrombectomies in the same period.

Results: We compared 2017, 2018, and 2019 data. The total number of transfer patients increased over the years: 63, 113, 175, respectively. The mean door-to-puncture time decreased significantly, going from 109, through 102, to 92 min. Meanwhile, the mean door-to-puncture time in non-transfer patients were 140.3, 122.1, and 129.3 min. The main reason of time saving was the change of the way of communication, from point-to-point interhospital communication to hub-to-spoke interhospital communication.

Conclusions: We used this smartphone application to enhance interhospital communication, changed from the point-to-point to hub-to-spoke method. It made us overcome the communication barrier and build up interhospital connection, thus shortening the door-to-puncture time. Our experience demonstrated the importance of close communication and teamwork in hyperacute stroke care, especially in interhospital transfer for thrombectomy.

[Evaluation of the effect of free fibular flap transplantation in repairing mandibular osteoradionecrosis defect in 151 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of free fibula flap transplantation in repairing the defect of mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Methods: A total of 151 mandibular ORN patients undergoing free fibular flap transplantation were selected from August 2005 to September 2020 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University. Among them, 109 patients were males and 42 patients were females, aged (54.1±10.1) (ranged 31-85) years old. The clinical data of the patients was collected and the survival rate of the flaps and postoperative function were calculated to evaluate the surgical efficacy. The χ² test was used for difference analysis. Results: Among the 151 patients, mandibular ORN caused by radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma accounted for 79.5% (120/151). The average time for mandibular ORN appeared was 5(6) years after radiotherapy. Facial artery [57.2%(87/152)] and superior thyroid artery (50/152, 32.9%) were the main anastomotic arteries in the recipient area. There was no significant difference in the necrosis rates of the two flaps [10.3%(9/87) and 12.5%(5/50), respectively, P=0.949]. The main anastomotic veins in the recipient area were the external jugular vein [48.4%(135/279)] and the common facial vein [26.5%(74/279)]. Twenty-five cases (16.6%) had one vein anastomosed, and 126 cases (83.44%) had two veins anastomosed. There was no significant difference in the flap necrosis rate between the two conditions [20.0%(5/25) and 7.1%(9/126), respectively, P=0.100]. Ninety-seven cases (64.2%) used the peroneal musculocutaneous-fascia composite flap to repair the maxillofacial soft and hard tissue defects. Thirteen cases (8.6%) underwent the restorations with digital virtual surgery design, of which 5 cases were repaired with dental implants at the same time. After the operations, lower respiratory tract infection occurred in 17 patients (11.3%), and upper respiratory tract obstruction occurred in 3 cases (2.0%). The survival rate of the flap after operation was 90.7% (136/151), and 21 patients (13.9%) had flap vascular crisis. Delayed healing of maxillofacial wounds occurred in 33 cases (21.9%). After 3 to 24 months of follow-ups, 110 patients (76.9%) had no fistula inside/outside the oral cavity, 118 patients (82.5%) had an improvement in opening mouth of increasing (≥0.5 cm) after surgery, 135 patients (94.4%) had pain relief, 97 cases (67.8%) could eat normal diet, semi-liquid or soft food, and 137 cases (95.8%) were satisfied or basically satisfied with the treatment effects. Conclusions: The free fibular flap transplantation is an effective method to repair mandibular ORN defects. Preoperative vascular assessment is helpful for the selection of recipient vessels. Facial artery, superior thyroid artery, external jugular vein and common facial vein can be used as the main recipient vessels. The repair of the peroneal musculocutaneous-fascia composite flap facilitates the closure of internal and external fistulas. Digital technology can help to restore the maxillofacial shape more accurately, improve the patient's occlusal and chewing function and enhance the quality of life of mandibular ORN patients.

Development of a new dynamic foveated imager on wide-angle infra-red thermography system to improve local spatial resolution in EAST

A new dynamic foveated imager has been developed and commissioned on the wide-angle infra-red thermography system in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak. This technique improves the local spatial resolution by a factor of 2 while maintaining the wide-angle view to ensure safety operation. Taking advantage of the new foveated imager, heat flux splitting under the application of resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) coils has been clearly observed. The results indicate that the toroidal asymmetric power load pattern is closely related to the perturbation field induced by the RMP coils.

[Optimization of ATG dose in haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies]

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of different doses of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) in haplo-HSCT in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Methods: Malignant hematological patients treated at our hospital from March 2013 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into three groups as per three doses of ATG (6 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 9 mg/kg) in the conditioning regimens. The transplant outcomes were compared in terms of the occurrence of acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) , infection, and survival. Results: ①Total 288 patients were enrolled in the study, including 182 men and 106 women, with a median age of 18 (6-62) years. Total 110 patients were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) , 128 with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) , 8 with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) , 28 with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) , and 14 with mixed cell leukemia (MAL) . There were 159 patients in the ATG-6 group, 72 in the ATG-7.5 group, and 57 in the ATG-9 group. The median follow-up time of post transplantation was 14 (0.2-74) months. ②The incidence of neutrophil engraftment (96.9% , 97.2% , and 96.5% , respectively) and platelet engraftment (92.5% , 87.5% , and 86% , respectively) did not significantly differ among the ATG-6, ATG-7.5, and ATG-9 groups (P=0.972, P=0.276) . The incidence of grades 2-4 acute GVHD was 14.5% , 11.1% , and 8.8% in the three groups, respectively (P=0.493) , chronic GVHD incidence in the three group was 8.8% , 14.3% and 12.0% , respectively (P=0.493) . The infection rates of CMV and EBV in the ATG-9 group (77.2% and 12.5% ) were significantly higher than those in the ATG-6 (43.3% and 3.5% ) , and ATG -7.5 group (44.4% and 1.5% ) (P<0.001 and P=0.033, respectively) . ③Among the three groups, there were no significant difference in the 3-year overall survival [68.5% (95% CI 60.3% -77.9% ) , 60.1% (95% CI 48.3% -74.8% ) , 64.7% (95% CI 51.9% -80.7% ) ], cumulative incidences of relapse [34.6% (95% CI 34.3% -35.1% ) , 38.0% (95% CI 37.3% -38.7% ) , 20.6% (95% CI 20.0% -21.3% ) ], disease-free survival [53.3% (95% CI 44.9% -63.4% ) , 51.9% (95% CI 41% -65.8% ) , 63.9% (95% CI 51.9% -78.7% ) ] and non-relapse mortality [24.2% (95% CI 23.8% -24.5% ) , 26.0% (95% CI 25.4% -26.6% ) , 23.6% (95% CI 26.3% -28.2% ) ] (P=0.648, P=0.165, and P=0.486 and P=0.955) . Conclusion: Low dose (6 mg/kg) of rATG may increase the risk of grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ aGVHD, and a high dose (9 mg/kg) of ATG could significantly increase the risk of CMV and EBV infection. Median dose (7.5 mg/kg) of ATG is expected to reduce the incidence of moderate to severe aGVHD and viral infections without increasing the mortality.

[Clinical analysis of 33 cases of chronic liver diseases overlapping with CMV infection]

Objective: To understand the clinical features and outcomes of chronic liver diseases overlapping with CMV infection. Methods: Clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of patients of chronic liver diseases overlapping with CMV infection were analyzed retrospectively. T-test was used for measurement data and χ (2) test was used for count data. All measurement data were expressed by (x ± s). P > 0.05 was not determined as significant. P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Chronic liver diseases overlapping with CMV infections had similar clinical features. Etiopathogenic treatment + symptomatic supportive treatment + CMV overlapping infection treatment (including antiviral therapy, corticosteroids consideration, clearing heat and traditional Chinese choleretic medicine, etc) were the primary principles of therapy. The incidence of cytomegalovirus infection accounted for 4.125% during the corresponding hospitalization period. Cytomegalovirus infection had relatively caused liver function damage in patients with milder clinical symptoms and signs. Biochemical indicators before and after treatment showed that there was no significant difference in total bilirubin (TBil) before (262.93 ± 178.944) μmol/L and after one week of treatment (245.08 ± 179.332) μmol/L (P > 0.05). However, when TBIL was compared with three (156.58 ± 147.461) μmol/L and four weeks (103.39 ± 102.218) μmol/L) of treatment, the decrease was significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) after one week (293.57 ± 467.438) U/L (P < 0.01) of treatment was significantly lower than before treatment (782.34 ± 828.801) U/L. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) after treatment (202.52 ± 155.174)U/L was significantly lower than before treatment(280.69 ± 205.619)U/L). Total bile acid (TBA) was increased after treatment (198.04 ± 155.174)μmol/L, when compared with that of before treatment (62.93 ± 178.944)μmol/L. Biochemical indicators of liver diseases had shown typical features of cholestasis, and the slow and reduced flow of bile acid was tracked and observed. Compared with the advanced group (182.45 ± 214.169) umol/L, the total bilirubin in inflammation group (50.36 ± 26.282) umol/L was decreased (P < 0.05). Moreover, advanced group (122.18 ± 106.780) umol/L (P < 0.05) had elevated total bile acid normalization rate than that of bile acid group (54.82 ± 56.123) umol/L, and the inflammatory phase had significantly better outcome than those with advanced-stage. Conclusion: Chronic liver diseases overlapping with cytomegalovirus infection has a good therapeutic outcome in the inflammatory phase, but in the advanced-stage; the therapeutic efficacy and outcome is poor and perilous.

[Altered serum cytokine expression profile in systemic sclerosis and its regulatory mechanisms]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the expression profile of serum cytokines in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and explore its possible regulatory mechanisms.

METHODS

Serum and DNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 30 SSc patients and 80 normal controls (NCs). According to the presence or absence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in SSc, the patients were divided into SSc with ILD group and SSc without ILD group. According to the degree of skin involvement, the patients were divided into diffuse systemic scleroderma (dcSSc) group and limited systemic scleroderma (lcSSc) group. According to the presence of anti-topoisomerase-1 antibody (anti-Scl-70 antibody) in the serum of patients with SSc, they were divided into SSc Scl-70 (+) group and SSc Scl-70 (-) group. 27 cytokines in serum were detected by Luminex MAGPIX detection system and Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine 27-plex Assay kit: interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12P70, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, basic fiber growth factor (BASIC FGF), eotaxin, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interferon-gamma induced protein 10(IP-10), monocyte chemotactic protein 1(MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), macrophage inflammatory protein 1β(MIP-1β), platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), regulated on activation in normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF). Methylation sites were detected by Illumina 450K methylation chip.

RESULTS

Compared with NCs group, the expression of 12 cytokines (BASIC FGF, eotaxin, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-6, IP-10, MCP-1, TNF-α and RANTES) in the SSc group significantly increased (P<0.05), IL-5 was decreased expression in the SSc group (P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the expressions of the other 14 cytokines. Compared with lcSSc group, 9 cytokines (eotaxin, IL-5, MCP-1, IL-2, RANTES, IL17A, IL-8, MIP-1β and PDGF-BB) increased in dcSSc group, but there was no significant difference. Compared with SSc without ILD group, IL-15 increased in SSC with ILD group [18.2 (172.97) ng/L vs. 2.03(0.05) ng/L, P<0.05]. Compared with SSc Scl-70 (-) group, the expression of IP-10 decreased in SSc Scl-70 (+) group [1 030 (2 196.6) ng/L vs. 1 878 (2 964) ng/L, P<0.05]. The correlation analysis of serum cytokines with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) showed that IL-6 was positively correlated with ESR (r =0.04, P= 0.017), MCP-1 (r=0.49, P=0.043) and MIP-1β (r=0.41, P=0.007) positively correlated with CRP. By analyzing the changes of methylation sites of cytokines, it was found that cg17744604 in IL-10 TSS1500 region, cg06111286 in IL-12P70 TSS200 region, cg07935264 in IL-1β TSS200 region, cg01467417 in IL-1ra TSS1500 region, cg03989987 in IL-1ra 5'UTR region and cg21099624 in VEGF TSS200 region were all hypomethylated.

CONCLUSION

There were different cytokines expression profiles in the serum of SSc patients, and the altered cytokines were correlected with the degree of skin damage and pulmonary fibrosis. Many cytokines were regulated by methylation.

[Association between the time of neutrophils to the lowest and prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with non-operative therapy]

Objective: To investigate the association between the time of neutrophils to the lowest and prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with non-operative therapy. Methods: The clinical data of 325 non-operative treated ESCC patients were collected in this study. The X-title software was applied to establish optimal threshold of neutrophil reduction to the lowest value. According to the optimal threshold, the patients were divided into early group (115 cases) and late group (210 cases). The clinical features and survival time of the two groups were compared, and the factors of prognosis were analyzed by Cox regression model with univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The X-title software demonstrated the optimal cutoff values for the time of neutrophils to the lowest was 39 days. The median overall survival time was 21.0 months in the early group which was significantly higher than that in the late group (16.0 months). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the treatment methods and the time of neutrophils to the lowest were independent factors for overall survival of patients with ESCC treated by non-surgical therapy. Compared with radiotherapy alone, concurrent chemoradiation could benefit the survival (HR=0.64, P=0.026). The prognosis of patients in the late group of neutrophils to the lowest (HR=1.38, P=0.038) was poor compared with the early group. Furthermore, stratified by treatment methods, the overall survival of two groups showed statistically significant difference only in patients received concurrent chemoradiation. The mortality risk in the late group was higher than that in the early group (HR=3.53, P=0.010). Conclusion: The time of neutrophils to the lowest is an independent prognosis factor for non-operative treated ESCC patients. The prognosis of patients in the early group is better than that in the late group.

[Evaluation of the right ventricular function in patients with pneumoconiosis by echocardiography]

Objective: To investigate right ventricular function in patients with pneumoconiosis, and to provide a basis for quantitative diagnosis and treatment of pneumoconiosis in clinical practice. Methods: A total of 43 patients with pneumoconiosis who were hospitalized consecutively in Shijiazhuang Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases from May 2015 to May 2016 were enrolled, and according to the stage of pneumoconiosis, they were divided into stage I group with 16 patients, stage II group with 14 patients, and stage III group with 13 patients. A total of 16 healthy subjects were enrolled as control group. Echocardiography was performed and the relevant parameters were recorded, i.e., right ventricular transverse diameter (RVTD), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and right ventricular myocardial performance index(Tei index). Results: There were significant differences in Tei index and TAPSE between all groups (P <0.05) except between the stage I group and the control group in terms of Tei index (P>0.05) and between the stage I group and the stage II group in terms of TAPSE (P>0.05). Right ventricular Tei index was negatively correlated with TAPSE (r=-0.547,P<0.05). Conclusion: A combination of right ventricular Tei index and TAPSE can be used for early quantitative evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with pneumoconiosis.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate protects myocardium against paraquat-induced toxicity through activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in rats

Objective:

To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate (STS) on paraquat (PQ)-induced myocardial injuries in a rat model.

Methods:

Healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control, PQ, and PQ + STS groups. PQ group was given a single intragastric administration of PQ (80 mg/kg). PQ + STS group was intraperitoneally injected with STS (1 ml/kg) at 30 min following PQ exposure. Rats in control and PQ groups were injected with equal amount of saline. After 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, rats were killed, and the apoptosis of myocardial cells was detected. Myocardial expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was measured. The activity of the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway was assessed by Western blot.

Results:

The apoptotic cells in PQ group were significantly increased in a time-dependent manner compared with the control group ( p < 0.01). The rats in PQ group exhibited significantly lower Bcl-2 expression, but notably higher Bax expression at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after PQ exposure ( p < 0.05 or 0.01). STS intervention markedly reduced the proportion of apoptotic myocardial cells, increased Bcl-2 expression, and decreased Bax expression at 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment ( p < 0.05 or 0.01). The expression of phosphorylated Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 in PQ + STS group was significantly increased compared with PQ and control groups ( p < 0.05 or 0.01).

Conclusion:

STS effectively inhibits PQ-induced myocardial cell apoptosis in rats via modulating the Nrf2 pathway, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for PQ-induced myocardium damage.

FAMLF is a target of miR-181b in Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is closely related to the abnormal expression of genes. Familial acute myelogenous leukemia related factor (FAMLF; GenBank accession No. EF413001.1) is a novel gene that was cloned by our research group, and miR-181b is located in the intron of the FAMLF gene. To verify the role of miR-181b and FAMLF in BL, RNAhybrid software was used to predict target site of miR-181b on FAMLF and real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) was used to detect expression of miR-181b and FAMLF in BL patients, Raji cells and unaffected individuals. miR-181b was then transfected into Raji and CA46 cell lines and FAMLF expression was examined by RQ-PCR and western blotting. Further, Raji cells viability and proliferation were detected by MTT and clone formation, and Raji cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that miR-181b can bind to bases 21–42 of the FAMLF 5′ untranslated region (UTR), FAMLF was highly expressed and miR-181b was lowly expressed in BL patients compared with unaffected individuals. FAMLF expression was significantly and inversely correlated to miR-181b expression, and miR-181b negatively regulated FAMLF at posttranscriptional and translational levels. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay identified that the 5′ UTR of FAMLF mRNA contained putative binding sites for miR-181b. Down-regulation of FAMLF by miR-181b arrested cell cycle, inhibited cell viability and proliferation in a BL cell line model. Our findings explain a new mechanism of BL pathogenesis and may also have implications in the therapy of FAMLF-overexpressing BL.

[Repairmen of the rabbit's oral mucosa by tissue engineering technology]

Objective:This experiment proposed to complicate BMMSCs and PLLA/SF scaffolds, to study its repairing ability for rabbit oral mucosa wound, and try to evaluate the most potential mixed proportion of PLLA and SF for tissue engineering. Method:Separating,cultivating and identifying BMMSCs. Observing cell phenotype of BMMSCs after cultivating BMMSCs in P70S30 PLLA/SF scaffold for one week.Observing the structure change of BMMSCs and P70S30PLLA/SF scaffold complexes after oral mucosa transplantation experiment for a week；Comparing the wound healing rate of composite of BMMSCs and PLLA/SF scafold，PLLA/SF scaffold and nature repair. Result:①There wasn't a significant effect of PLLA/SF scaffold on cell phenotype of BMMSCs.②The wounds fused well with the oral mucosa transplanted composite of BMMSCs and P70S30 PLLA/SF scaffold after a week.③The healing rate of composite of BMMSCs and P70S30 scaffold was the highest.The average healing rate of composite of BMMSCs and P70S30 scaffold was 94.8%,whose difference was statistically significant compared with natural healing and pure scaffold(P<0.01). Conclusion:①The complex composed of BMMSCs and PLLA/SF scaffolds has the potential as an ideal scaffold for tissue engineering oral mucosa.②The complex composed of BMMSCs and P70S30 PLLA/SF scaffolds is the most beneficial to wound healing of oral mucosa,and has the greatest potential for constructing tissue engineering oral mucosa.

Novel ultra-thin near-eye augmented-view device (UNAD)

The current augmented-view device for glaucoma patients are limited by the low angle minification (less than 3X), image overlapping and pupil mismatching. We present a novel ultra-thin near-eye augmented-view device (UNAD) with a proper minification angle of 4X to avoid scanning eye movements. The device is realized by one symmetrical ultra-thin off-axis eight-mirror reversed telescopic optical system (field-of-view (FOV): x:-34°~3°; y: -5°~-20°, 5°~20°) and one central un-minified optical system (FOV: -5°~5°), and hence, the system can achieve a FOV (x:-34°~3°; y: -20°~20°) without overlapping images. Furthermore, the device fully accounts for pupil matching with the entrance pupil of the human eye. Finally, the simulation results in CODE V and LightTools verify that our proposed system is feasible and has potential practical value for glaucoma patients.

The consensus sequence of FAMLF alternative splice variants is overexpressed in undifferentiated hematopoietic cells

The familial acute myeloid leukemia related factor gene (FAMLF) was previously identified from a familial AML subtractive cDNA library and shown to undergo alternative splicing. This study used real-time quantitative PCR to investigate the expression of the FAMLF alternative-splicing transcript consensus sequence (FAMLF-CS) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 119 patients with de novo acute leukemia (AL) and 104 healthy controls, as well as in CD34+ cells from 12 AL patients and 10 healthy donors. A 429-bp fragment from a novel splicing variant of FAMLF was obtained, and a 363-bp consensus sequence was targeted to quantify total FAMLF expression. Kruskal-Wallis, Nemenyi, Spearman's correlation, and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to analyze the data. FAMLF-CS expression in PBMCs from AL patients and CD34+ cells from AL patients and controls was significantly higher than in control PBMCs (P < 0.0001). Moreover, FAMLF-CS expression in PBMCs from the AML group was positively correlated with red blood cell count (rs =0.317, P=0.006), hemoglobin levels (rs = 0.210, P = 0.049), and percentage of peripheral blood blasts (rs = 0.256, P = 0.027), but inversely correlated with hemoglobin levels in the control group (rs = -0.391, P < 0.0001). AML patients with high CD34+ expression showed significantly higher FAMLF-CS expression than those with low CD34+ expression (P = 0.041). Our results showed that FAMLF is highly expressed in both normal and malignant immature hematopoietic cells, but that expression is lower in normal mature PBMCs.

Mutation analysis of PVRL1 in patients with non-syndromic cleft of the lip and/or palate in Guangdong

Non-syndromic cleft of the lip and/or palate (NSCLP) is a very common birth defect; the poliovirus receptor-like 1 gene (PVRL1) has been identified as a genetic risk factor for NSCLP in patients from Norway, the Philippines, and South America. Given the considerable variation in allele frequencies across these geographical regions, this study explored the relationship between NSCLP and mutations of PVRL1 in patients from Guangdong, China. We recruited 171 NSCLP patients and 100 volunteers, and divided our samples into 2 groups: a sequencing group and a mass spectrometry group. In the sequencing group, we screened for mutations in exons 2 and 5 of PVRL1 by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing in 71 NSCLP patients and 100 volunteers. In the mass spectrometry group, we screened for amino acid mutations in α-spliced transcript codons 112, 131, and 395, and in the β-spliced transcript codon 1082 using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis in 100 NSCLP patients and 100 volunteers. No mutations were detected in either PVRL1 exons 2 or 5 in the 71 NSCLP patients and 100 volunteers, nor did we find mutations of α-spliced transcript codons 112, 131, 395 and the β-spliced transcript codon 1082 in any of the 100 NSCLP patients and 100 volunteers. Thus, mutations in exons 2 and 5 of PVRL1, and T334A, A391T, G1183A in the α-spliced transcript, and G1082T in the β-spliced transcript do not participate in the development of NSCLP in patients from Guangdong.

Risk assessment of the outcome for cerebral infarction in tuberculous meningitis

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral infarction in tuberculous meningitis is a major risk factor for permanent disability. This study assessed the clinical presentation of tuberculous meningitis and risks factors for cerebral infarction.

OBSERVATION

Thirty-eight adult patients with tuberculous meningitis were studied between 2002 and 2006. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory data of patients with cerebral infarction were compared with those of patients without cerebral infarction. Patients with cerebral infarction were significantly older (65.1 vs 52.1years), had higher risk assessment scores (3.7 vs 2.2), and more often had basal meningeal enhancement on imaging (92.3% vs 60.0%), mild to moderate sequelae (69.2% vs 4%), an overall poor brain outcome (69.2% vs 8%), aspirin prescription (84% vs 8%), and neurosurgical intervention for hydrocephalus (54.0% vs 16.0%). Cerebral infarction patients were also more likely to have experienced doctor-related delays in antituberculosis (61.5% vs 36%) and corticosteroid (61.5% vs 32%) therapy.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The Framingham risk score would be an option for tuberculous meningitis patients to access cerebral infarction risk. Contrast-enhanced brain imaging is helpful for exploring basal meningeal enhancement, in order to obtain an early diagnosis. Antituberculosis, corticosteroid, and aspirin therapies should be started immediately when tuberculous meningitis is suspected.

Associations between serum total bilirubin levels and functional dependence in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Many studies support the role of bilirubin as a cytoprotector in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as stroke and atherosclerosis.

AIM

To investigate the relationship between serum total bilirubin levels and functional dependence in older adults.

METHODS

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2002) pertaining to 2235 old adults were analysed. All participants had given a household interview, providing information of five major domains on self-reported functional status (activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, leisure and social activities, lower extremity mobility and general physical activities), had completed serum total bilirubin measurement, and a questionnaire regarding personal health. Poor performance was defined as experiencing difficulty with one or more items in a given domain. Functional dependence was defined as having three or more poor performances in the five major domains. Multiple logistic regression was performed together with quartile-based stratified odds ratio (OR) comparison and trend tests.

RESULTS

The OR of functional dependence for each standard deviation increment in the serum total bilirubin level was 0.56 (P = 0.002). After additional adjustment, the inverse association remained essentially unchanged. In quartile-based analysis, participants with higher quartiles of serum total bilirubin tended to have lower ORs of functional dependence. The trends of lower likelihood of functional dependence across increasing quartiles of the serum total bilirubin level were statistically significant (P < 0.05 for all trends).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher serum total bilirubin levels were associated with lower likelihood of functional dependence in older adults.

Effects of highly hygroscopic excipients on the hydrolysis of simvastatin in tablet at high relative humidity

Effects of highly hygroscopic sorbitol, citric acid, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, on the hydrolysis of simvastatin in tablets at 25°/90% RH were studied. The simvastatin tablets were prepared by direct powder compression. Simvastatin and its hydrolyte, simvastatin acid, were quantitatively analysed by high performance liquid chromotography. The hygroscopicity, water swelling ratio, water solubility and pH of the four hygroscopic excipients were investigated. During the investigation period, the weight gain of sorbitol or citric acid increased faster than that of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose at 25°/90% RH, accordingly, the moisture sorption of the tablets containing citric acid or sorbitol (T-3 or T-6) were more than that of the tablets containing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (T-4 or T-5). The increase of simvastatin acid content with time at 25°/90% RH for the tablets was in the following order: T-6 < T-4 < T-3 < T-5. The effects of the four excipients on the hydrolysis of simvastatin in tablet were related to not only their hygroscopicity but also their other properties, such as moisture retention capacity and pH. Sorbitol as hygroscopic excipient in tablet can most effectively prevent the hydrolysis of simvastatin in tablet.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the quantification of posaconazole in human plasma: application to pharmacokinetics following single-dose administration in the fasted state and with a high-fat meal

A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to determine concentrations of posaconazole in human plasma precipitated by acetonitrile including internal standard. Rapid chromatographic separation was achieved in the mobile phase composition of acetonitrile, water and formic acid (v/v/v, 55:45:0.1) with a flow rate of 0.25 ml/min. Posaconazole-d4 was used as internal standard. Detection was undertaken with cation electrospray tandem mass spectrometry on a Sciex/API3000. The method was accurate, specific and sensitive for the analysis of posaconazole in human plasma in the concentration range of 2-1000 ng/ml. The inter- and intra-batch accuracy was within +/- 10% and the lower limit of quantification was 2 ng/ml. The method facilitated a clinical pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of a single-dose of posaconazole suspension in the fasted state and with a high-fat meal in a two-period crossover design. Cmax (maximum concentration) and AUC (area under serum drug concentration) were significantly increased, and Tmax (time to maximum plasma concentration) was delayed under fed condition, which suggested that simultaneous administration of posaconazole with food may help to achieve higher plasma concentrations and result in better antifungal efficacy.

Fiber-based multiple-access ultrastable frequency dissemination

We demonstrate a fiber-based multiple-access ultrastable frequency dissemination scheme over an 83 km fiber link. As a performance test, we reproduce the disseminated 9.1 GHz radio-frequency modulation signal at an arbitrary point in the dissemination channel. Relative frequency stability of 7×10(-14)/s and 5×10(-18)/day is obtained. Highly synchronized frequency signals can be regenerated along the entire fiber pathway and its applications are discussed.

Amelioration of central cardiovascular regulatory dysfunction by tropomyocin receptor kinase B in a mevinphos intoxication model of brain stem death

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Little information exists on the mechanisms that precipitate brain stem death, the legal definition of death in many developed countries. We investigated the role of tropomyocin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and its downstream signalling pathways in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) during experimental brain stem death.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

An experimental model of brain stem death that employed microinjection of the organophosphate insecticide mevinphos bilaterally into the RVLM of Sprague-Dawley rats was used, in conjunction with cardiovascular, pharmacological and biochemical evaluations.

KEY RESULTS

A significant increase in TrkB protein, phosphorylation of TrkB at Tyr(516) (pTrkB(Y516) ), Shc at Tyr(317) (pShc(Y317) ) or ERK at Thr(202) /Tyr(204) , or Ras activity in RVLM occurred preferentially during the pro-life phase of experimental brain stem death. Microinjection bilaterally into RVLM of a specific TrkB inhibitor, K252a, antagonized those increases. Pretreatment with anti-pShc(Y317) antiserum, Src homology 3 binding peptide (Grb2/SOS inhibitor), farnesylthioacetic acid (Ras inhibitor), manumycin A (Ras inhibitor) or GW5074 (Raf-1 inhibitor) blunted the preferential augmentation of Ras activity or ERK phosphorylation in RVLM and blocked the up-regulated NOS I/protein kinase G (PKG) signalling, the pro-life cascade that sustains central cardiovascular regulation during experimental brain stem death.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Activation of TrkB, followed by recruitment of Shc/Grb2/SOS adaptor proteins, leading to activation of Ras/Raf-1/ERK signalling pathway plays a crucial role in ameliorating central cardiovascular regulatory dysfunction via up-regulation of NOS I/PKG signalling cascade in the RVLM in brain stem death. These findings provide novel information for developing therapeutic strategies against this fatal eventuality.

Overexpressed hPTTG1 promotes breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis by regulating GEF-H1/RhoA signalling

Human pituitary tumour-transforming gene 1 (hPTTG1) is an oncogenic transcription factor that is overexpressed in many tumour types, especially tumours with metastatic abilities. However, how hPTTG1 overexpression drives metastasis is not yet clear. As a transcription factor, hPTTG1 may promote metastasis by activating target genes that are involved in the metastatic process. Here, we showed that Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor-H1 (GEF-H1) was transcriptionally activated by hPTTG1, thereby promoting breast cancer metastasis. Luciferase reporter analyses and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that hPTTG1 directly bound and activated the GEF-H1 gene promoter. In this study, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of hPTTG1 in highly metastatic breast tumour cells decreased GEF-H1 expression and RhoA activation, thereby reducing cell motility and invasion, and interfering with cytoskeletal remodelling in vitro, and impairing the tumour metastasis in vivo. The restoration of GEF-H1 expression in hPTTG1-knockdown cells rescued the hPTTG1-knockdown effects on cytoskeletal changes in vitro and tumour metastasis in vivo. Conversely, ectopic expression of hPTTG1 in non-metastatic breast tumour cells induced cytoskeletal rearrangements, and allowed these cells to metastasise in a mouse model by orthotopic implantation. In human tumour samples, hPTTG1 expression was also correlated to GEF-H1 expression in aggressive breast carcinoma. Altogether, these findings definitively establish a role for hPTTG1 in activating the GEF-H1/RhoA pathway as a newly identified mechanism in breast cancer metastasis.

Patient-driven loop control for ambulation function restoration in a non-invasive functional electrical stimulation system

PURPOSE

In this study, a patient-driven loop control in a non-invasive functional electrical stimulation (FES) system was designed to restore ambulation function of patients with stroke with their residual capabilities.

METHOD

With this patient-driven loop control, patients use the electromyographic (EMG) signals from their voluntary controlled muscles in affected extremity to adjust stimulus parameters of the system. A special designed FES system generated electrical stimuli to excite the paralysed muscles through surface electrodes on the basis of the control command from the residual myoelectric signals. The EMG signals were also served as the trigger and the adjustment of stimulus parameters and thereby adding versatility of the FES system. One patient with hemiplegia was recruited to conduct clinical evaluation and treated by using the new closed-loop FES system.

RESULTS

The experimental results showed that hemiplegic could successfully control the system to restore their lost ambulation functions with the strategy of patient-driven loop control. It is revealed that the mean velocity, cadence, stride length, active ankle motion range and functional ambulation category have improved significantly from 0.22 + or - 0.17 m/s, 37.3 + or - 15.5 steps/min, 0.32 + or - 0.11 m, 10 degrees , level 2 to 0.46 + or - 0.23 m/s, 58.2 + or - 19.1 steps/min, 0.73 + or - 0.22 m, 35 degrees , level 4 respectively for the patient. A paired t-test indicated that differences in the EMG of the tibialis anterior and the gastrocnemius muscles between patient's disabled (affected-side) foot and normal (unaffected-side) foot are not significant (p > 0.05) after 12 weeks of training.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the experiment results, this patient-driven loop control can be beneficial for patient with hemiplegia to restore their ambulation functions such as dorsi-flexion and plantar-flexion. The control strategy of this study has the potential to be employed not only in the FES system but also in other assistive devices.

Lethal sphenoid fungal sinusitis in an immunocompromised elderly patient

Sphenoid fungal balls are rare and typically indolent lesions, unless superinfected by bacteria or invasive to adjacent neurovascular structures. If the identification or treatment of underlying complications is delayed in an immunocompromised patient, a catastrophic outcome may result. We report the case of an elderly female patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus suffering from sphenoid fungal sinusitis that is complicated by cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and carotid artery stenosis. In spite of reasonable diagnosis and therapy, the patient's general condition deteriorated and she eventually died. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment strategy are discussed.

Determination of chiglitazar, a dual alpha/gamma peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Chiglitazar is a dual alpha/gamma peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist. A LC-MS/MS method for the determination of chiglitazar was developed and validated. The assay used 0.2 mL of plasma. 90% acetonitrile containing internal standard was used for protein precipitation. The mobile phase contained 70/30 (v/v) of methanol and water at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. Detection was by negative ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometry on a Sciex API 3000. The standard curve, which ranged from 2 to 1500 ng/mL, was fitted to a 1/x weighted quadratic regression model. The validation results demonstrated that the method was sensitive, rapid, selective and robust and provided satisfactory precision and accuracy. The method has been successfully used for the analysis of clinical samples in pharmacokinetic studies of chiglitazar.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34) (teriparatide) after single ascending doses in Chinese healthy volunteers

The pharmacokinetics and safety of recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34) [rhPTH (1-34)] after single ascending doses were evaluated in Chinese healthy volunteers. Nine healthy volunteers (five male and four female) were recruited for an open label, randomized, three multiply three crossover, single ascending dose (10, 20, and 40 microg) study. Using a validated radioimmunoassay, we determined the plasma concentrations of rhPTH (1-34). The mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) were 123.6, 195.6, and 318.2 pg x mL(-1) respectively, and were reached from 25.6 to 36.1 min after subcutaneous administration. After Cmax was reached, the plasma drug level decreased quickly, with elimination halflife (t(1/2)) of 53.9 to 64.1 min. The mean AUC(0-infinity) (the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from time zero to infinite) of rhPTH (1-34) were 11794.2 +/- 974.8, 21606.7 +/- 4753.9, 33877.0 +/- 8374.4 pg x min x mL(-1), respectively. The mean AUC(0-t) (the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration) of rhPTH (1-34) were 9034.4 +/- 1073.9, 17883.3 +/- 4597.1, 31693.5 +/- 6574.8 pg x min x mL(-1), respectively. Dose-related linear trend were observed for AUC(o-t) and Cmax of rhPTH (1-34). t(1/2) and Tmax (time to Cmax) of rhPTH (1-34) were independent of administered dose. rhPTH (1-34) was safe and well tolerated by all volunteers.

Pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of eprosartan in Chinese healthy volunteers of different gender

The study aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of eprosartan in Chinese healthy volunteers and to study the effect of gender on pharmacokinetics of eprosartan. Twenty healthy volunteers (ten men and ten women) were recruited for an open trial and received a single dose of 600 mg eprosartan. Using a validated LC/MS/MS method, plasma and urinary concentrations of eprosartan were determined. The following pharmacokinetic parameters were elucidated after administration: the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from 0 to 32 h (AUC0-32h) 14818.75 +/- 7312.11 ng x h/mL, the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from 0 to infinite (AUC(0-infinity)) 15081.62 +/- 7379.63 ng x h/mL, peak plasma concentration (Cmax) 3664.25 x 1653.94 ng x h/mL, time to Cmax (Tmax) 1.63 +/- 0.46 h, elimination half-life (t(1/2)) 8.03 +/- 4.04 h, apparent clearance (CL/F) 47.84 +/- 19.21 L/h, apparent volume of distribution of the central compartment (V/F) 537.21 +/- 287.91 L, renal clearance (CLr) 1.33 +/- 0.41 L/h, amount of unchanged eprosartan excreted into urine 18.44 +/- 6.43 mg and fraction of unchanged eprosartan excreted into urine 3.07 +/- 1.07%. Our results also indicated that no gender differences were observed in the pharmacokinetics of eprosartan in Chinese healthy volunteers.

Antioxidant nature of bovine milk beta-lactoglobulin

Heating is necessary for processing milk in the dairy industry, which evidently produces a conformational change in beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG). beta-Lactoglobulin, a major protein that accounts for approximately 10 to 15% of total milk proteins, is a globular protein consisting of 162 AA with a relative molecular mass of 18.4 kDa. The purpose of the present study was to determine the antioxidant role of beta-LG in milk and the possible mechanism involved. We showed that beta-LG is a mild antioxidant whose potency is less than that of vitamin E and probucol (the latter being an antioxidant used for clinical therapy). The conversion of the beta-LG monomer to dimer was responsible, in part, for the mode of action in protecting low-density lipoproteins against copper-induced oxidation. Cross-linking the free thiol groups of beta-LG by heating (100 degrees C for 2 min), or chemically modifying the beta-LG by carboxymethylation to block the thiol groups resulted in a substantial loss of antioxidant activity. The data suggest that Cys-121 plays an essential role in the antioxidant nature of beta-LG. By using an anti-LG antibody affinity column to deplete the beta-LG from milk, we observed from the lost antioxidant activity that beta-LG contributes approximately 50% of the total activity. Because beta-LG is extremely sensitive to thermal denaturation, to maintain its antioxidant nature, dairy products consumed daily should not be overheated in order to maintain its antioxidant nature.

Comparison of the acute toxicity for gamma-cyhalothrin and lambda-cyhalothrin to zebra fish and shrimp

Gamma-cyhalothrin 15CS (GCH) contains only the active stereoisomer of the two isomers found in lambda-cyhalothrin 25EW (LCH). GCH (0.5 x rate) provides equivalent overall insect control as LCH (1 x rate). Both formulations showed high acute toxicity to zebra fish (Brachydanio rerio H.B.) and shrimp (Macrobrachium nippoensis de Haan). The 96-h LC(50(zebra fish,GCH)) is 1.93 microg a.i/L and LC(50(zebra fish,LCH)) is 1.94 microg a.i/L. LC(50(shrimp,GCH)) is 0.28 microg a.i./L and LC(50(shrimp,LCH)) 0.04 microg a.i./L. This indicates that the toxicity to shrimp is likely stereochemistry-dependent. The fates of GCH and LCH are similar in laboratory simulated rice paddy water and their concentrations decrease rapidly, with no GCH or LCH detected after 3 or 4 days. Both are toxic to shrimp in a simulated paddy irrigation reservoir even though treated return water is diluted 5 times. No shrimp fatality is shown in the GCH-treated paddy water after a 4-day holding period, and longer than 5 days is necessary to reach a zero fatality rate for LCH. This is compatible with the 7-day water holding period considered reasonable in agricultural practice.

A Novel Conformation-Dependent Monoclonal Antibody Specific to the Native Structure of β-Lactoglobulin and Its Application

Molten globules are thought to be general intermediates in protein folding and unfolding. beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) is one of the major bovine whey proteins, constituting approximately 10 to 15% of total milk proteins. We have recently identified beta-LG as a superior marker for evaluating thermally processed milk. Strand D of beta-LG participates in irreversible thermal unfolding as probed by a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific to thermally denatured beta-LG. In the present study, we used native beta-LG as an immunogen to test the hypothesis that a specific mAb against the native beta-LG could be established. As result, a mAb (4H11E8) directed against the native structure of beta-LG was made. The antibody did not recognize the heat-denatured form of beta-LG, such as its dimer and aggregates. Immunoassay using this "native" mAb showed that the stability of beta-LG was at temperatures < or =70 degrees C. beta-Lactoglobulin began to deteriorate between 70 and 80 degrees C over time. The denaturation was correlated with the transition temperature of beta-LG. Further chemical modification of Cys (carboxymethylation) or positively charged residues (acetylation) of beta-LG totally abolished its immunoreactivity, confirming the conformation-dependent nature of this mAb. Using competitive ELISA, the 4H11E8 mAb could determine the native beta-LG content in commercially processed milks. Concentrations of native beta-LG varied significantly among the local brands tested. From a technological standpoint, the mAb prepared in this study is relevant to the design and operation of appropriate processes for thermal sanitation of milk and of other dairy products.

Diffusion-weighted and conventional magnetic resonance imaging in cerebral cryptococcoma

A case of cryptococcoma involving the right cerebral hemisphere is reported. The diffusion-weighted image shows hypointensity in the central cavity of the cryptococcoma, while apparent diffusion coefficient maps show hyperintensity. The imaging features of an intracerebral cryptococcoma mimic that of a central necrotic brain tumor, rather than a pyogenic brain abscess.

Beta-lactoglobulin is a thermal marker in processed milk as studied by electrophoresis and circular dichroic spectra

As much of the sterilization process involves heat treatment during the preparation of milk on an industrial scale, the unpredictable measures of the process are an essential issue in determining the quality of the milk. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the major protein change(s) of whey proteins in processed milk and extend the knowledge for future reference in the dairy industry. Using a native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, we showed almost a 90% loss and denaturation of beta-lactoglobulin (LG), but not alpha-lactalbumin (LA), in some brands of the processed and dry milks. Immunochemical analysis using Western blotting revealed that part of the loss was attributed to the formation of large multiple forms of LG in the processed product. Such denaturation was presumably associated with the heating procedure used in the process. Essentially, LG was the only major fraction converted to aggregates in milk heated at 95 degrees C for 30 min on 2-dimensional PAGE. The detailed thermal denaturation of purified LG and LA at various temperatures (50 to 95 degrees C) and time (5 to 960 s) were investigated using a circular dichroic analysis. The maximal changes of ellipticity at 205 nm (converting beta-structure to disordered structure) were correlated to heating temperature and time. There were no significant conformational changes of LG at temperatures below 70 degrees C for as long as 480 s. Pronounced and rapid changes occurred between 80 to 95 degrees C in a time-dependent manner. Fifty percent of the maximal changes could be reached within 15 s. In conclusion, the unique chemical and immunochemical loss and conformational changes made LG a superior marker for evaluating the thermal processing of milk. The detailed thermal denaturation curves of LG constructed with its time and temperature in this study provide a valuable reference for the dairy industry. We postulate that heat treatment over 80 degrees C in 15 s may induce a significant denaturation of milk LG.

Distinction Between Dry and Raw Milk Using Monoclonal Antibodies Prepared Against Dry Milk Proteins

It is well established that the heating process during the preparation of dry milk (DMLK) causes structural changes in some milk proteins. However, because such changes are subtle, whether they can be detected by an immunochemical approach remains questionable. The present study attempted to develop a sensitive mAb that might distinguish the DMLK from freshly prepared raw milk. To test this possibility, we immunized mice with commercially prepared DMLK and produced a panel of mAb. From 900 hybridomas screened using an ELISA, 4 clones were found to be specific to DMLK; the other 68 clones recognized both DMLK and raw milk. In contrast to polyclonal antibodies, only the specific mAb could detect the DMLK spiked into the raw milk at as low as 5% in concentration (vol/vol). Western blot analysis shows that these specific mAb were all directed against beta-lactoglobulin (LG) and LG-milk protein conjugates. These mAb reacted with raw milk heated at 95 degrees for 15 min; the reaction with LG-conjugates, however, was abolished when treated with reducing reagent. Thus, results suggests that a new antigenic epitope was exposed in a heating process, and the thio group of LG cross linked with other protein moiety played a provocative role in mAb recognition. A hypothetical model with respect to the interaction between the mAb and DMLK is proposed and discussed.

[Studies on ultrastructure and histochemistry of Trichomonas vaginalis adhering to vaginal mucosa of rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study interaction between Trichomonas vaginalis and epithelium of genital tract of host as well as the pathogenesis of T. vaginalis.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical technique was used to observe the adhering process of T. vaginalis to vaginal mucosa in rats by transmission and scanning microscopy.

RESULTS

T. vaginalis were shown to be PAS positive and clusters of T. vaginalis were found to adhere to columnar epithelium rich in mucopolysaccharide on the surface of vaginal mucosa as viewed in sections of the middle and upper parts of the orgen. T. vaginalis was positive for cathepsin. And the membrane of epithelial cells was often damaged by the released hydrolase. The parasite was also positive for actin; the microfilament bundles were arranged in reticular form in ameboid T. vaginalis. The latter would penetrate between epithelial cells, and its filiform pseudopodia would invade the interspace of microvilli of the epithelium, to encircle and gradually phagocytize microvilli. Digitiform pseudopodia would insert between epithelial cells and encircle part of them. A few T. vaginalis were found to adhere to the keratinized epithelium between mucosal folds as shown in the sections of the lower part of vagina.

CONCLUSION

T. vaginalis is inclined to parasitise vaginal fornix because the superficial epithelial cells there are rich in mucinogen granules and abundant microvilli exist. After adhering, T. vaginalis releases hydrolase to digest and phagocytize epithelium which may directly damage the epithelium of the genital canal. Moreover, T. vaginalis would take in mucopolysaccharide to affect the normal clearance process of vagina, resulting in inflammation of parasitized tissue. The cytoskeleton, cell coat, polymorphism of pseudopodia and lysosome of T. vaginalis play an important role in the courses of movement, adhesion, encirclement, phagocytosis and digestion.

[Experimental study on the pathogenesis of Entamoeba gingivalis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the pathogenesis of Entamoeba gingivalis (E. g.) and its relation to periodontal diseases.

METHODS

Rats were treated with immuno-inhibitor for one week and the neck of incisor teeth of the rats was bound with steel wire. They were randomly divided into three groups: the first group was infected by E. g. in the periodontal tissue, the second group was infected by symbiotic bacteria (s. b.), and the third group was given physiological saline as control. Observation on the periodontal inflammation was made for each group of rats, and the purulent secretion from periodontal abscess was examined for living pathogens.

RESULTS

The incidence of periodontal diseases in rats infected by E. g. was higher than that of symbiotic bacteria group and that of control (P < 0.05), the incidence of periodontal diseases in rats infected by s. b. was higher than that of control group (P < 0.05). Living pathogens were found in the abscess liquid.

CONCLUSION

E. g. is an opportunistic pathogen, which, together with synergistic symbiotic bacteria, can cause periodontal diseases in hosts with low immunity.

The measurement of 60Co contaminated rebar buildings with thermoluminescence dosemeters

Three contaminated housing units, yielding annual dose levels of 6, 22 and 57 mSv, were selected randomly from identified radiation contaminated buildings (RCBs) to perform this experiment. The results are presented of a study to investigate the probability of finding RCBs by using eight thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) for each suspected radiation contaminated housing unit. The results revealed that, for these three housing units, the probabilities of detecting contaminated housing units using eight TLDs were 93%, 86% and 99%, respectively. The number of TLDs required for such a determination depended strongly on both the radiation contaminated level (i.e., the activity) in the housing unit and the distribution of contaminated columns and beams in the house.

Improving efficacy of antifungal therapy by polymerase chain reaction-based strategy among febrile patients with neutropenia and cancer

Early detection of fungal infections in and corresponding early treatment of febrile patients with neutropenia and cancer have been important issues and continue to be major challenges for clinicians. The use of nested PCR to make therapeutic decisions was studied. Sequential blood samples obtained from 42 patients with neutropenia and cancer were tested by nested PCR and culture. Instead of the empirical antifungal therapy strategy, amphotericin B treatment was initiated only for patients who had 2 consecutive positive results by nested PCR. A reduced mortality rate was observed for febrile patients with neutropenia and cancer who had fungal infections. Thus, this strategy, combined with the nested PCR for early detection of fungal infection in febrile patients with neutropenia, may be used as a guideline for antifungal therapy.

Effect of chlorine demand on the ammonia breakpoint curve: model development, validation with nitrite, and application to municipal wastewater

Chlorine added during wastewater disinfection may be consumed through reactions with chlorine-demanding chemical species. In this study, a mechanistically based kinetic model for chlorine demand in the presence of ammonia was developed and validated with laboratory studies on ammonia-nitrite systems, and then applied to breakpoint curves obtained with wastewater samples. The model is a modification of kinetic models for chlorine-ammonia systems to include hypochlorous acid-demand and monochloramine-demand reactions. The model accurately describes both laboratory-generated breakpoint curves with added nitrite and literature data. In a plant thought to be undergoing partial nitrification, breakpoint curves were consistent with high chlorine demand (i.e., small initial slopes and large doses to achieve the total chlorine maximum and breakpoint). A simplified kinetic model was also developed. Chlorine demand calculated from the simplified model was similar to chlorine demand from plant data. The simplified model was used to generate operating guidelines to calculate chlorine doses needed to overcome demand from nitrite or other sources.