Preparation and evaluation of cefquinome-loaded gelatin microspheres and the pharmacokinetics in pigs

Cefquinome (CEF) is widely used for veterinary clinical applications because of its broad spectrum and high efficiency. However, frequent administrations are required due to its short elimination half-life. In this study, cefquinome sulfate gelatin microspheres (CEF-GMS) were prepared as a sustained-release formulation using emulsion chemical cross-linking technique. Physical properties, stability, sustained-release property in vitro, and pharmacokinetics in pigs were assessed. The morphology of CEF-GMS showed a good sphericity with porous structure on the surface, and the mean diameter was 8.80 ± 0.78 μm, with 90.60 ± 3.98% of the total in the range of 5-20 μm. There were no significant changes of all estimated indexes in the stability tests. In vitro drug release study showed that the release of CEF from CEF-GMS was much slower than that from crude CEF in a release medium. Pharmacokinetic characteristics were evaluated following intramuscular administration of CEF-GMS or Cefquinome sulfate injection (CEF-Inj) in pigs at a dosage of 4 mg CEF/kg body weight. The plasma drug concentration-time data of CEF-GMS and CEF-Inj were both best fitted by two-compartment models with first-order absorption, and the elimination half-life of CEF-GMS was almost 10 times that of CEF-Inj. Overall, CEF-GMS might be used as a sustained-release formulation of CEF for veterinary clinical applications.

The anatomy of Wassel type IV-D thumb duplication

We describe Wassel type IV-D thumb duplication anatomy after surgery on 11 affected children (12 hands, seven boys (eight hands) and four girls). We studied the structure and course of the flexor pollicis longus tendon and its action at the joint. Four patients had secondary deformity associated with an absent A2 pulley and a tendon that clung to the radial side of a small thumb. In patients with primary deformity, the flexor tendon sheath became membranous in the A2 area and attached to neighbouring sites on the opposite side of the proximal phalanx. In the proximal A2 area, the tendon divided - one division attached on the ulnar side of the distal phalanx base; the other, the base of the radial side. There was slight ulnar angulation of the distal phalanx on the radial portion of the duplication and slight ulnar angulation on the radial portion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V.

Diagnostic value of combined diffusion-weighted imaging with dynamic contrast enhancement MRI in differentiating malignant from benign bone lesions

AIM

To determine the diagnostic value of combined diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with dynamic contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in differentiating malignant from benign bone lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DWI and DCE-MRI were performed in 36 patients (14 were benign and 22 were malignant). The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and signal enhanced extent (SEE), slope value, and time-signal intensity curve (TIC) type were recorded by two observers. Between-group comparison was made using the independent sample t-test and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the mean ADC value of the benign ([1.75±0.50]×10^-3 mm²/s) and malignant ([1.11±0.47]×10^-3 mm²/s) groups (p=0.001). The threshold ADC value of ≤1.10×10^-3 mm²/s resulted in a sensitivity of 77.3%, a specificity of 92.9%, and an accuracy of 85.1%. A type III curve was found in 23 cases (21 malignant and two benign), a type II curve was seen in six cases (one malignant and five benign), and a type I curve in seven cases (all were benign). The SEE and slope values in the benign and malignant groups were 227.96±172.08, 325.60±125.86 (p=0.058); 0.97±0.67%/s, 3.19±3.20%/s (p=0.016), respectively. ROC analysis showed a sensitivity of 95.5%, a specificity of 85.7%, and an accuracy of 90.6% for malignancy, based on a slope cut-off value of >1.46%/s. Combining ADC and slope values resulted in a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 85.7%, and an accuracy of 92.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Both DWI and DCE-MRI showed promising results for differentiating malignant from benign bone lesions. A combination of DWI and DCE-MRI was the most valuable of the three.

Cobalt-zinc nitride on nitrogen doped carbon black nanohybrids as a non-noble metal electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Bimetallic nitrides are now being considered as one of the emerging advanced functional materials due to their characteristic features and remarkable physicochemical properties. Herein, we report a new crystalline bimetallic nitride (Co₃ZnN) that belongs to the cubic crystal phase, which was successfully synthesized through direct nitridation of metallic salts as precursors. Co₃ZnN nanoparticles were then supported on nitrogen-doped XC-72 carbon black (N-CB), and this typical Co₃ZnN/N-CB nanohybrid discovered can serve as an efficient non-noble metal electrocatalyst with a 4e^- reaction pathway for ORR, and demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic performance with high activity and stability.

[Population pharmacokinetics of vancomycin from severe in patients with lower respiratory tract infection]

Objective: To develop a population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model of vancomycin in Chinese inpatients with severe lower respiratory tract infection. Methods: We gathered serum concentrations of vancomycin from inpatients who received vancomycin during Nov 2011 to Nov 2012.Vancomycin serum concentrations was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Vancomycin PPK analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed effects model (NONMEM) program. Results: We gathered the data of 70 inpatients with lower respiratory tract infection at respiratory ward or respiratory intensive care unit(RICU) between Nov 2011 to Nov 2012 [58 males, 12 females; 78(23-91) years old; the mean of APACHⅡ score was 16.4±4.8]. A total of 267 concentrations of vancomycin were gathered from 70 patients. A 2-compartment model fit the concentration data best. The final vancomycin PPK model was: CL(i)=1.67×e(η1), V(1i)=33.04×[1-0.199×(60/Scr)] ×e(η2), Q(i)=7.08×2.053(AI)×e(η3), V(2i)=19.29×e(η4).(CL: vancomycin clearance; V(1): distribution volume of the central compartment; Q: intercompartment clearance; V(2): distribution volume of the intercompartment). The population mean values were 1.67 L/h, 33.04 L; 7.08 L/h and 19.29 L respectively. Serum creatinine was the covariate to affect vancomycin apparent distribution volume of the central compartment. Intercompartment clearance was 2.053 times larger in patients with albumin infusion than that in patients without. Conclusions: We found that a 2-compartment model fit the concentration data best in Chinese patients with severe lower respiratory tract infection. Serum creatinine and albumin infusion were the most significant covariates to affect vancomycin PK.

High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the left DLPFC for major depression: Session-dependent efficacy: A meta-analysis

Background

Depression is a major debilitating psychiatric disorder. Current antidepressant drugs are often associated with side effects or treatment resistance. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate therapeutic effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) in major depression (MD).

Methods

The medical data bases of PubMed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the therapeutic effects of high-frequency rTMS for depression, which were published in English between January 1990 and June 2016. The index terms were “depress*”, “depression” and “transcranial magnetic stimulation”. Depression outcome data of different sessions (5, 10, 15, and 20 sessions of rTMS treatment) were extracted and synthesized by calculating standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) by using a random-effect model. Within each session group, the subgroup analyses based on the number of pulses (≤ 1000, 1200–1500, 1600–1800, and 2000–3000) were also conducted.

Results

Thirty RCTs with a total of 1754 subjects including 1136 in the rTMS group and 618 in the sham group were included in this meta-analysis. rTMS had a significant overall therapeutic effect on depression severity scores (SMD = −0.73, P < 0.00001). The five, 10, 15, 20 sessions of rTMS treatments yielded the significant mean effect sizes of −0.43, −0.60, −1.13, and −2.74, respectively. In the four groups (5, 10, 15, 20 sessions), the maximal mean effect size was all obtained in the subgroup of 1200–1500 pulses per day (−0.97, −1.14, −1.91, −5.47; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The increasing of HF-rTMS sessions is associated with the increased efficacy of HF-rTMS in reducing depressed patients’ symptom severity. A total number of pulses of 1200–1500 per day appear to deliver the best antidepressant effects of HF-rTMS.

Treatment with hydrogen sulfide attenuates sublesional skeletal deterioration following motor complete spinal cord injury in rats

Treatment with hydrogen sulfide mitigates spinal cord injury-induced sublesional bone loss, possibly through abating oxidative stress, suppressing MMP activity, and activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

INTRODUCTION

Spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced sublesional bone loss represents the most severe osteoporosis and is resistant to available treatments to data. The present study was undertaken to explore the therapeutic potential of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) against osteoporosis in a rodent model of motor complete SCI.

METHODS

SCI was generated by surgical transaction of the cord at the T3-T4 levels in rats. Treatment with NaHS was initiated through intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 ml/kg/day of 0.28 mol/l NaHS from 12 h following the surgery and over 14 subsequent days.

RESULTS

H₂S levels in plasma of SCI rats were lower, which was restored by treatment with exogenous H₂S. Treatment of SCI rats with exogenous H₂S had no significant effect on body mass but increased bone mineral density in femurs and tibiae, increased BV/TV, Tb.Th, and Tb.N and reduced Tb.Sp in proximal tibiae, and increased mineral apposition rate (MAR), bone formation rate (BFR), and osteoblast surface and reduced eroded surface and osteoclast surface in proximal tibiae. More importantly, H₂S treatment led to a significant enhancement in ultimate load, stiffness, and energy to max force of femoral diaphysis. Treatment of SCI rats with exogenous H₂S reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and femurs, decreased hydroxyproline levels, suppressed activities of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), and upregulated Wnt3a, Wnt6, Wnt10, and ctnnb1 expression in femurs.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with H₂S mitigates SCI-induced sublesional bone loss, possibly through abating oxidative stress, suppressing MMP activity, and activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

[Airway oxidative stress and inflammation markers in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases(COPD) patients are linked with exposure to traffic-related air pollution: a panel study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of short-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution on airway oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) patients.

METHODS

A panel of forty-five diagnosed COPD patients were recruited and followed with repeated measurements of biomarkers reflecting airway oxidative stress and inflammation in exhaled breath condensate (EBC), including nitrate and nitrite, 8-isoprostane, interleukin-8 and acidity of EBC (pH), between 5(th) September in 2014 and 26(th) May in 2015. The associations between air pollution and biomarkers were analyzed with mixed-effects models, controlling for confounding covariates.

RESULTS

The concentration of PM2.5, black carbon, NO2 and number concentration of particles with diameter less than 100 nm (PNC100), and particles in size ranges between 100 nm to 200 nm (PNC100-200) during the first follow-up were (156.5±117.7), (10.7±0.7), (165.9±66.0)μg/m(3) and 397 521±96 712, 79 421±44 090 per cubic meter, respectively; the concentration were (67.9±29.6), (3.4±1.3), (126.1±10.9) μg/m(3) and (295 682±39 430), (24 693±12 369) per cubic meter, respectively during the second follow-up. The differences were of significance, with t value being 3.10, 4.42, 2.61, 4.02, 5.12, respectively and P value being 0.005,<0.001, 0.016, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively. In our COPD-patient panel, per interquartile range (IQR) increase in PNC100-200, we observed an increase of 65% (95% CI: 8%-152%) in nitrate and nitrite in EBC reflecting airway oxidative stress. For an IQR increase in PM2.5, black carbon and PNC100-200, respective increases of 0.17 ng/ml (95% CI: 0.02-0.33), 0.12 ng/ml (95% CI: 0.01-0.24) and 0.13 ng/ml (95% CI:0.02-0.24) in interleukin-8 in EBC reflecting airway inflammation were also observed. An IQR increase in ozone was also associated with a 0.24 (95%CI: 0.05-0.42) decrease in pH of EBC reflecting increased airway inflammation. No significant association observed between air pollution and 8-isoprostane in EBC in COPD patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that short-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution was responsible for exacerbation of airway oxidative stress and inflammation in COPD patients.

Radioiodinated Capsids Facilitate In Vivo Non-Invasive Tracking of Adeno-Associated Gene Transfer Vectors

Viral vector mediated gene therapy has become commonplace in clinical trials for a wide range of inherited disorders. Successful gene transfer depends on a number of factors, of which tissue tropism is among the most important. To date, definitive mapping of the spatial and temporal distribution of viral vectors in vivo has generally required postmortem examination of tissue. Here we present two methods for radiolabeling adeno-associated virus (AAV), one of the most commonly used viral vectors for gene therapy trials, and demonstrate their potential usefulness in the development of surrogate markers for vector delivery during the first week after administration. Specifically, we labeled adeno-associated virus serotype 10 expressing the coding sequences for the CLN2 gene implicated in late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis with iodine-124. Using direct (Iodogen) and indirect (modified Bolton-Hunter) methods, we observed the vector in the murine brain for up to one week using positron emission tomography. Capsid radioiodination of viral vectors enables non-invasive, whole body, in vivo evaluation of spatial and temporal vector distribution that should inform methods for efficacious gene therapy over a broad range of applications.

Dynamic intracellular tracking nanoparticles via pH-evoked “off–on” fluorescence

Strong fluorescence induced by spiropyran isomerized into merocyanine in low pH was utilized as a probe for efficient dynamic intracellular tracking.

Causes of secondary deformity after surgery to correct Wassel type IV-D thumb duplication

This study was undertaken to document the causes of secondary deformities after surgery for correction of Wassel type IV-D thumb duplication. We carefully dissected and observed the flexor pollicis longus, and bone and joint anatomy in eight patients with secondary deformities after surgical correction. We transferred the flexor pollicis longus and thenar muscle attachments, reconstructed the A2 pulley, released and tightened the joint capsule, and performed osteotomies to correct skeletal malalignment. Kirschner wire fixation was used for 4-5 weeks, followed by brace fixation for 3 months. Patients were followed up for 13-34 months (mean 20 months). According to the Tada scores, the outcomes were good in six patients, and fair and poor in one patient each. The main causes of the secondary deformities were failure to reconstruct the A2 pulley, to transfer the flexor pollicis longus and thenar muscles, and incomplete resection of the radial metacarpal head. Brace fixation after Kirschner wire removal is crucial in preventing secondary deformities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Prolonged Ischemic Time, Delayed Graft Function, and Graft and Patient Outcomes in Live Donor Kidney Transplant Recipients

The association between prolonged cold ischemic time (CIT) and graft and patient outcomes in live donor kidney transplant recipients remains unclear. The aims of this study were to examine the association of CIT with delayed graft function and graft loss in live donor kidney transplant recipients and those who participated in the Australian Paired Kidney Exchange program using data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) registry. Of 3717 live donor transplant recipients between 1997 and 2012 who were followed for a median of 6.6 years (25 977 person-years), 224 (25%) experienced CIT >4-8 h. Donor age was an effect modifier between CIT and graft outcomes. In recipients who received kidneys from older donors aged >50 years, every hour of increase in CIT was associated with adjusted odds of 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.53, p = 0.007) for delayed graft function, whereas CIT >4-8 h was associated with adjusted hazards of 1.93 (95% CI 1.21-3.09, p = 0.006) and 1.91 (95% CI 1.05-3.49, p = 0.035) for overall and death-censored graft loss, respectively, compared with CIT of 1-2 h. Attempts to reduce CIT in live donor kidney transplants involving older donor kidneys may lead to improvement of graft outcomes.

Early supplementation of starter pellets with alfalfa improves the performance of pre- and postweaning Hu lambs

This study aims to determine the effects of alfalfa supplementation on the pre- and postweaning performance, rumen development, and feed transition in starter diet-fed lambs. Six of 66 male Hu lambs were slaughtered at the age of 10 d to serve as a control. The other 60 lambs were randomly allocated to 2 dietary treatments: milk replacer and starter pellets without (STA) or with free-choice chopped alfalfa (S-ALF). The animals were offered 300 g/d of the concentrate mixture and had free access to alfalfa after weaning at the end of wk 4 (age 38 d). The alfalfa inclusion in the S-ALF group tended to increase the starter intake before weaning, significantly increased the concentrate intake soon after weaning ( < 0.05), and increased the BW ( < 0.01) and ADG ( < 0.10) in pre- and postweaning lambs. The S-ALF group had heavier carcasses ( < 0.05), rumens ( < 0.05), reticula ( < 0.05), omasums ( < 0.10), abomasums ( < 0.05), and visceral organs ( < 0.10) than the STA lambs after weaning. Alfalfa supplementation increased ( < 0.05) the rumen papillae length and the ratio of the duodenal villus height to the crypt depth; it also decreased ( < 0.05) the concentration and molar proportion of propionate in wk 1 and 5. The STA lambs had higher ( < 0.01) blood concentrations of globulin and blood urea nitrogen and lower β-hydroxybutyrate after weaning. The STA group also had a higher incidence of feed plaque. From the above results, we infer that the free-choice addition of chopped alfalfa to starter diets is beneficial to rumen development, relieves weaning stress, and improves the performance of lambs.

[A multicenter prospective controlled study of catheter ablation for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation using domestic 3D cardiac electrophysiological mapping system]

OBJECTIVE

To verify the safety and efficacy of the domestic 3D cardiac electrophysiological mapping system for catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

From December 2011 to April 2014, 255 patients (184 male) with persistent AF in 13 centers were enrolled in this multicenter prospective controlled study.The patients were allocated to catheter ablation group (experiment group) and antiarrhythmics drugs cardioversion group (control group) with the ratio 2∶1 according to the patients' intention. Left atria were constructed with 3D cardiac electrophysiology mapping system, magnetic sensored saline irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter (FireMagic™ Cool 3D) and surface reference (Columbus™). Pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial roof line, mitral annulus isthmus line, three tricuspid annulus isthmus line, superior vena cava, the coronary sinus and complex atrial fragmented potentials were targeted if necessary under the guidance of the 3D mapping system. Antiarrhythmics drugs (except amiodarone) were applied to patients for 2 to 3 months after ablation. The patients were followed up for 9 months after 3 months blanking period. The patients in the control group underwent cardioversion with amiodarone and electrical cardioversion if needed. Patients in the control group were also followed up for 9 months.

RESULTS

Of the 255 patients, 167 cases were in the experiment group and 88 cases were in the control group. In per protocol set (PPS), 155 cases were in the experiment group, 79 cases in the control group. Catheter ablation was successful for all patients in the experiment group under the guidance of the 3D cardiac electrophysiological mapping system. Pumononary veins isolation was achieved in all patients. After 9 months follow-up beyond blanking period, in full analysis set, the success rate was 66.5% (111/167) in the experiment group, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (21.6% (19/88), P<0.001). In PPS, the success rate was also significantly higher in the experiment group than in the control group (67.1% (104/155) vs. 22.8%(18/79), P<0.001). The incidence of adverse events was 19.8% in the experiment group and 13.6% in the control group(P=0.223). The adverse events associated with catheter ablation included 1 case of left subclavian hematoma, 1 case of left subclavian bleeding and 1 case of pericardial effusion, which was alleviated by pericardiocentesis. No pulmonary vein stenosis occurred.

CONCLUSION

Domestic 3D cardiac electrophysiological mapping system can safely and effectively guide catheter ablation of persistent AF.

The prospective self-controlled study of unilateral transverse process-pedicle and bilateral puncture techniques in percutaneous kyphoplasty

Many previous studies have reported excellent clinical results with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). In contrast, numerous complications and problems have also been reported, such as puncture difficulty, cement leakage, and adjacent vertebral fracture.

INTRODUCTION

This study is to evaluate the application and clinical outcomes of unilateral transverse process-pedicle and bilateral PKP in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).

METHODS

A total of 56 cases with two levels thoracolumbar OVCF were randomly assigned for treatment with unilateral transverse process-pedicle and bilateral PKP. The patients were followed up postoperatively and were assessed mainly with regard to clinical and radiologic outcomes. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with mainly the use of a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Radiologic outcomes were assessed mainly on the basis of radiation dose and bone cement distribution.

RESULTS

The operation was completed successfully in 56 cases. In the unilateral level, the operation time, the volume of the injected cement, and radiation dose were significantly less than bilateral level. All patients had significantly improvement on VAS score after the procedures, compared with their preoperative period. In the bilateral level, 7 patients had obvious pain in the puncture sites at 1 month postoperatively caused by facet joint violation. With local block treatment, the pain disappeared in all patients at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Both bilateral and unilateral PKP are relatively safe and effective treatments for patients with painful OVCF. But unilateral PKP received less radiation dose and operation time, offered a higher degree of deformity correction, and resulted in less complication than bilateral.

Paravascular pathways contribute to vasculitis and neuroinflammation after subarachnoid hemorrhage independently of glymphatic control

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease with high mortality. The mechanisms underlying its pathological complications have not been fully identified. Here, we investigate the potential involvement of the glymphatic system in the neuropathology of SAH. We demonstrate that blood components rapidly enter the paravascular space following SAH and penetrate into the perivascular parenchyma throughout the brain, causing disastrous events such as cerebral vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, microcirculation dysfunction and widespread perivascular neuroinflammation. Clearance of the paravascular pathway with tissue-type plasminogen activator ameliorates the behavioral deficits and alleviates histological injury of SAH. Interestingly, AQP4^−/− mice showed no improvements in neurological deficits and neuroinflammation at day 7 after SAH compared with WT control mice. In conclusion, our study proves that the paravascular pathway dynamically mediates the pathological complications following acute SAH independently of glymphatic control.

[The effect of renal clearance on serum trough concentration of vancomycin in elderly patients with severe pneumonia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of renal clearance on serum trough concentration of vancomycin in elderly patients with severe pneumonia.

METHODS

This was a prospective non-interventional study. Forty-two elderly patients with severe pneumonia and normal level of serum creatinine were enrolled from November 2013 to October 2014. The patients included 25 males and 17 females, aged 60-83 years (median 74 years). The renal clearance was measured, and the vancomycin regimen and rate of serum trough concentration achieving guideline-recommended target of 15-20 mg/L were investigated. The factors influencing trough concentration of vancomycin were analyzed using the general linear model.

RESULTS

The vancomycin regimens were 1 g/ 12 h (17 cases), 0.5 g/8 h (14 cases) and 0.5 g/12 h (11 cases), and their median and range of serum concentrations were 14.9(2.4-28.5)mg/L, 16.2(2.8-27.8)mg/L and 11.6 (5.9-19.9) mg/L, respectively. The guideline-recommended target trough concentration of 15-20 mg/L was reached in only 10 patients, while trough concentration lower than 15 mg/L was found in 22 patients and higher than 20 mg/L in 10 patients. General linear model analysis showed that creatinine clearance rate(CCR) and dose of vancomycin per kilogram of body weight per day were independent influencing factors for trough concentration (both P<0.05). There were 8 patients with CCR≥130 ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1) (augmented renal clearance), 22 patients with 70≤CCR<130 ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1) and 12 patients with CCR<70 ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1,) and vancomycin trough concentration below 15 mg/L was found in 7, 11 and 4 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

CCR was an independent influencing factor for trough concentration of vancomycin, and augmented renal clearance increased the risk of subtherapeutic trough concentration of vancomycin.

Biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ε-carprolactone) polymeric micelles with different tailored topological amphiphilies for doxorubicin (DOX) drug delivery

The self-assembly and drug release of the three PEG–PCL copolymers with different topologies but identical molar ratio between PEG to PCL.

Putative suppressing effect of IgG Fc-conjugated haemagglutinin (HA) stalk of influenza virus H7N9 on the neutralizing immunogenicity of Fc-conjugated HA head: implication for rational design of HA-based influenza vaccines

The emergence of influenza A H7N9 in infection has posed a great threat to public health globally. Poor immunogenicity of H7N9 haemagglutinin (HA) is a major obstacle to the development of an effective H7N9 vaccine. Here, we found that the vaccine containing the H7HA head conjugated with IgG Fc (Hd-Fc) induced strong neutralizing antibody responses and protection against H7N9 infection, whilst the Fc-conjugated H7HA stalk (St-Fc)-based vaccine could not induce neutralizing antibodies, although the St-Fc-immunized mice were partially protected. The vaccines containing the full-length extracellular domain of HA conjugated with Fc and the mixture of Hd-Fc plus St-Fc induced significantly lower neutralizing antibody and haemagglutination inhibition titres than the Hd-Fc-based vaccine. These results suggest that the St-Fc may have inhibitory effects on the neutralizing immunogenicity of Hd-Fc. Therefore, the neutralizing domain(s), such as the receptor-binding domain, in the HA head should be kept and the non-neutralizing domain(s) in the HA stalk with the ability to potentially suppress the neutralizing immunogenicity of HA head should be removed from Fc-conjugated HA-based influenza vaccines to increase the neutralizing antibody response.

Intracellular pH-induced fluorescence used to track nanoparticles in cells

A nanoparticle with pH-induced fluorescence was reported for intracellular tracking. The fluorescence was evoked by the isomerization of the ring-closed form spiropyran (SP) to the ring-open form merocyanine (MC) in the weak acidic environment of cells. The SP-MC switch accelerated the dissociation of nanoparticles to trigger the release of trapped paclitaxel.

Construction of a GeogDetector-based model system to indicate the potential occurrence of grasshoppers in Inner Mongolia steppe habitats

Grasshopper plagues have seriously disturbed grassland ecosystems in Inner Mongolia, China. The accurate prediction of grasshopper infestations and control of grasshopper plagues have become urgent needs. We sampled 234, 342, 335, and 369 plots in Xianghuangqi County of Xilingol League in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively, and measured the density of the most dominant grasshopper species, Oedaleus decorus asiaticus, and the latitude, longitude, and associated relatively stable habitat factors at each plot. We used Excel-GeogDetector software to explore the effects of individual habitat factors and the two-factor interactions on grasshopper density. We estimated the membership of each grasshopper density rank and determined the weights of each habitat category. These results were used to construct a model system evaluating grasshopper habitat suitability. The results showed that our evaluation system was reliable and the fuzzy evaluation scores of grasshopper habitat suitability were good indicators of potential occurrence of grasshoppers. The effects of the two-factor interactions on grasshopper density were greater than the effects of any individual factors. O. d. asiaticus was most likely to be found at elevations of 1300-1400 m, flat terrain or slopes of 4-6°, typical chestnut soil with 70-80% sand content in the top 5 cm of soil, and medium-coverage grassland. The species preferred temperate bunchgrass steppe dominated by Stipa krylovii and Cleistogenes squarrosa. These findings may be used to improve models to predict grasshopper occurrence and to develop management guidelines to control grasshopper plagues by changing habitats.

Human-use antibacterial residues in the natural environment of China: implication for ecopharmacovigilance

Antibacterial residues in the natural environment have been of increasing concern due to their impact on bacteria resistance development and toxicity to natural communities and ultimately to public health. China is a large country with high production and consumption of antibacterials for its population growth and economic development in recent years. In this article, we summarized the current situation of human-use antibacterial pollution in Chinese water (wastewaters, natural and drinking waters) and solid matrices (sludge, sediment, and soil) reported in 33 peer-reviewed papers. We found that, although there are adequate wastewater treatment systems in China, human-use antibacterial residues in the natural environment were reported almost throughout the whole country. Three most frequently prescribed classes of antibacterials in China, including quinolones, macrolides, and β-lactam, were also the predominant classes of residues in Chinese environment, manifested as the high concentration and detection frequency. In view of this alarming situation, we have presented that ecopharmacovigilance (EPV) might be implemented in the antibacterial drug administration of China, as the active participation of the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulatory authorities from the diffuse source of antibacterial pollution. Considering EPV experience of developed countries together with the actual conditions of China, we have identified some approaches that can be taken, including:• Focus on education;• Further strengthening and persevering the antibacterial stewardship strategies and pharmaceutical take-back programs in China;• Designing greener antibacterials with better degradability in the environment;• Implementing environmental risk assessment prior to launch of new drugs;• Strengthening collaboration in EPV-related areas.

Catheterization of the urethra in female pigs

Female pigs are commonly utilized as an animal model for biomedical research and require urethral catheterization. Sixteen pigs were anaesthetized for research purposes and required the placement of a urethral catheter. Post-mortem examination of the vaginas revealed the urethral opening to be consistently halfway from the mucocutaneous junction of the vulva to the cervix. A shallow diverticulum was also observed on the ventral floor of the urethral opening. To optimize conditions for success the pig should be carefully positioned supine, a vaginal speculum and light source should be used, the pig should be adequately anaesthetized, and the anatomy of the vagina should be reviewed.

Isolation and expression studies of the ERD15 gene involved in drought-stressed responses

The early response to the dehydration 15 (ERD15) gene is widely involved in the processes of signal transduction, programmed cell death, gene transcription, and stress tolerance in plants. In a previous study, the ERD15 gene was shown to be an important regulator of the abscisic acid response and salicylic acid-dependent defense pathway, acting as an important negative regulator of abscisic acid. The complete IbERD15 gene (accession No. KF723428) was isolated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The IbERD15 gene contains an open reading frame of 504 bp, encodes a peptide of 167 amino acids, and has a molecular mass of 18.725 kDa. The transcript levels of the IbERD15 gene in a variety of tissues were examined by digital gene expression profiling. The roots of the sweet potato were treated by 3 degrees of polyethylene glycol, and the results indicate that the IbERD15 gene might play an important role in the defense response to drought stress. Moreover, the IbERD15 gene was successfully transformed into yeast cells for analysis of drought tolerance in transgenic yeast.

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: diagnostic performance of 64-section multiphase CT enterography and CT angiography compared with capsule endoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic capabilities between capsule endoscopy (CE) and multislice CT (MSCT) enterography in combination with MSCT angiography for assessment of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB).

METHODS

A total of 127 patients with OGIB were looked at in this study. 82 patients (aged 42.7 ± 19.1 years; 34 males) were assigned to receive MSCT diagnosis and 67 patients to (aged 53.9 ± 16.2 years; 28 males) receive CE diagnosis. Among them, 22 patients (aged 54.1 ± 19.1 years; 12 males) received both examinations. Oral isotonic mannitol and intramuscular injection of anisodamine were performed; non-ionic contrast (iopromide, 370 mg I ml(-1)) was intravenously administered; and then multiphase scanning was conducted at arterial, small intestinal and portal venous phases in MSCT. The results were compared with findings of reference standards including double balloon enteroscopy, digital subtraction angiography, intraoperative pathological examination and/or clinical diagnosis.

RESULTS

Administration of anisodamine markedly increased the satisfaction rate of bowel filling (94.67% vs 28.57%; p < 0.001) but not the diagnostic yield (p = 0.293) of MSCT. Compared with MSCT, CE showed an improved overall diagnostic yield (68.66% vs 47.56%; p = 0.010), which was also observed in overt bleeding patients (i.e. patients with continued passage of visible blood) (76.19% vs 51.02%; p = 0.013) and in patients aged younger than 40 years of age (85% vs 51.28%; p = 0.024). However, CE had similar positive rates to MSCT (p > 0.05). Among the 22 cases in whom both examinations were conducted, CE showed no significantly different diagnostic capability compared with MSCT (p = 0.4597).

CONCLUSION

Both CE and MSCT are safe and effective diagnostic methods for OGIB.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

CE is preferred for overt bleeding or patients aged younger than 40 years. The combined use of CE and MSCT is recommended in OGIB diagnosis.

Laparoscopic kidney transplant by extra peritoneal approach: the safe transition from laboratory to the clinic

The aim of this study is to develop a novel laparoscopic surgery by extra-peritoneal approach for kidney transplant and pave the way of safe transition from laboratory to the clinic. The study was established to explore the feasibility and safety of human laparoscopic kidney transplant. The experiment was first conducted on the deceased animals, then live animals and human cavader before human kidney transplant was approved. The study patient was a 49-year-old male who received the kidney for laparoscopic kidney transplant by extra-peritoneal approach. The control patient received the contralateral kidney for open kidney transplant. The estimated blood loss was minimal during surgery. Both kidneys experienced delayed graft function but the kidneys started function on Day 6 postoperation. The analgesia consumption was significantly less in the study patient. There is no surgical complication during 6-month follow-up. This study has developed a new technique for laparoscopic kidney transplant by extra-peritoneal approach. It has retained the advantages of open kidney transplant, which allows the graft located in the extra-peritoneal space without violating peritoneum. This study has also paved the way of safe transition for a novel laparoscopic surgery from laboratory to the clinic.

Chitooligosaccharides prevent osteopenia by promoting bone formation and suppressing bone resorption in ovariectomised rats: possible involvement of COX-2

Chitooligosaccharides (CHOS) added in diet have been found as potent calcium fortifiers in conditions of Ca(2+) deficiency such as osteoporosis. In this study, we found that pharmaceutical intervention using CHOS prevented ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone mineral density loss and the deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05 or 0.01). CHOS (125, 250 mg/kg) suppressed the serum levels of bone resorption biomarkers CTx and TRACP5b induced by OVX (p < 0.05), but increased the levels of osteogenic markers ALP and OC by 11.3-11.6% and 10.7-15.2% of OVX group (p < 0.05), suggesting the exact pharmacological action of CHOS in the control of osteoporosis which may be the result of both promoting bone formation and suppressing bone resorption. Bone turnover-modulating effects of CHOS appear related to their anti-inflammatory capacity to down-regulate mRNA and protein expression of COX-2 (17.2-32.2% and 16.4-21.9% of OVX group, p < 0.05 or 0.01), a key mediator linking between inflammation and osteoporosis.

Prevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii infection in bats in southern China

Toxoplasma gondii can infect a wide variety of warm-blooded animals, including bats. Limited information on T. gondii infection in bats is available in China. The objective of the present study was to determine prevalence and genetic diversity of T. gondii infection in bats in southern China. A total of 608 bats representing 12 species, including 120 Aselliscus stoliczkanus, 59 Myotis chinensis, 11 Miniopterus schreibersii, 53 Rhinolophus affinis, 32 Rhinolophus pusillus, 81 Hipposideros armiger, 28 Hipposideros fulvus, 32 Cynopterus brachyotis, 14 Cynopterus sphinx, 45 Eonycteris spelaea, 109 Hipposideros larvatus, and 24 Taphozous melanopogon, were collected from Yunnan and Guangxi provinces, southern China. They were examined for the presence of T. gondii DNA by amplification of the B1 gene using a nested PCR, and the positive samples were genotyped at 11 genetic loci (SAG1, 5'- and 3'-SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico) using multilocus polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technology. Fifty-nine (9.7%) of these bats were detected positive by PCR but only five of these positive DNA samples were completely typed at all loci; of which 4 samples, 2 from A. stoliczkanus, and 2 from H. larvatus, belonged to ToxoDB Genotype #10, and the other one from H. larvatus was identified as ToxoDB Genotype #9 (http://toxodb.org/toxo/). To our knowledge, this is the first report of molecular detection and genetic characterization of T. gondii infection in bats in China. The results show that these bats are potential reservoirs for T. gondii transmission, which may pose a threat to human health.

Reduced STMN1 expression induced by RNA interference inhibits the bioactivity of pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1

Increased expression of STMN1 has been observed in many tumor forms, but its expression and potential biological role in pancreatic cancer is still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that STMN1 was expressed to a large extent in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines as compared to normal pancreatic tissues. Suppression of STMN1 expression via transfection with STMN1-specific siRNA could not only significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of Panc-1 cells, but also enhance the apoptosis of Panc-1 cells. In addition, downregulation of STMN1 obviously enhanced the acetylation level of α-tubulin. All these results indicated that STMN1 plays an important role in pancreatic cancer development, and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

Decrease in pituitary apparent diffusion coefficient in normal appearing brain correlates with hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury

INTRODUCTION

Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), there may be persistent pituitary deficits despite the presence of normal conventional magnetic resonance (MR) images. Little is known about the association of microstructural changes in the pituitary with pituitary function in TBI patients with normal appearing brain on conventional MR images. Our aim was to quantify changes in pituitary apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of normal appearing brain in human traumatic brain injury.

METHODS

Forty-two patients admitted with a diagnosis of mild head injury having normal appearing brain imaging were scanned at 7 days after injury using a quantitative echo planar imaging acquisition to obtain ADC parametric map. Mean pituitary ADC values were compared with a control group (n = 30).

RESULTS

The TBI group showed a significant decrease in pituitary ADC compared to the controls. Furthermore, the mean ADC was much less in TBI patients with pituitary dysfunction compared to those with normal pituitary function. There was also a correlation between the development of pituitary dysfunction and decreasing ADC (r = 0.82, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that pituitary ADC is a sensitive and independent marker of pituitary damage following traumatic insult, which is useful to detect the microstructural damage in pituitary in normal appearing brain.

Association of SCN1A gene polymorphisms with infantile spasms and adrenocorticotropic hormone responsiveness

OBJECTIVES

Infantile spasms (IS) are severe epileptic encephalopathy during infancy. The SCN1A encodes the α1 subunit of the neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels, and mutations in SCN1A have been frequently detected in idiopathic epilepsy and encephalopathy, which had similar symptoms as IS. Therefore, we investigated the association of SCN1A polymorphism with the IS and the responsiveness to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treatment in the present study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We totally collected 113 IS patients and and 122 age-matched healthy controls. All of the subjects were Han Chinese descent, and the 113 cases were further divided into subgroups of cryptogenic and symptomatic patients. Nine tag SNPs within the SCN1A gene were selected and genotyped by the direct sequencing of PCR-amplified products. The ACTH was then applied to all of the cases.

RESULTS

Two SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium, rs13397210 and rs760543, were significantly associated with IS under genotype model (p = 0.015). In addition, we also found that a 4-SNP haplotype (CAGC) which contains the aforementioned 2 SNPs, was associated with increased responsiveness to ACTH therapy in IS (p = 0.018, OR = 4.8) under recessive model. Of the 2 subgroups of cases, more cryptogenic patients responded to the ACTH treatment than the symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that genetic variants of the SCN1A gene were associated with IS and ACTH responsiveness.

Restored kidney graft from urologist referrals for renal transplantation

BACKGROUND

A new transplantation program using kidneys after a small tumor excision was initiated in Western Australia in February 2007. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes over 5 years.

METHODS

Local urologists were encouraged to refer the kidney to the transplantation service when considering a radical nephrectomy. Recipients are selected according to strict criteria. Between February 2007 and February 2012 24 of 30 referred kidneys were restored for transplantation. Average donor age was 53.4 (range, 32-75) years while the recipients were 66.3 (range, 57-80) years. Twenty-one kidneys were restored after excision of a small tumor (<3.3 cm) and 3 kidneys were restored after being obtained from patients who had experienced complicated ureteric injuries secondary to laparotomy and colectomy.

RESULTS

Nineteen of 24 grafts displayed immediate function, 4 had delayed function, and 1 had nonfunction. The first 3 patients developed urinary leakages, which all resolved by subsequent management. One graft showed a pseudoaneurysm on the day 1 Doppler ultrasound, requiring interventional embolization. All patients but 1 have been off dialysis with satisfactory graft function; creatinine (Cr) levels ranged from 70 μmol/L to 330 μmol/L. There was no tumor recurrence on close follow-up from 6 to 55 months (median, 26). Three patients died due to other medical issues.

CONCLUSION

Kidneys could be restored from urologic disease for transplantation after excision of a small tumor with satisfactory outcomes at an average follow-up of 26 months. Frozen section is necessary to ensure the clearance of the tumor prior to transplantation. A modification of the surgical technique has minimized urine leakage and pseudoaneurysm formation after tumor resection.

Variations and constancy of mercury and methylmercury accumulation in rice grown at contaminated paddy field sites in three Provinces of China

Many paddy fields have been contaminated by mercury (Hg) in mining areas of China. In this study, twenty-six rice cultivars and three Hg contaminated paddy fields in different geographic regions were selected for field trials and aimed to investigate the variations and similarities in total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) accumulations in brown rice (seeds) across sites. Our results revealed widescale cultivar variation in THg (13-52 ng g(-1) at Wanshan) and MeHg (3.5-23 ng g(-1)) accumulation and %MeHg (17.7-89%) in seeds. The ability to translocate is an important factor in the levels of THg and MeHg in seed. Cultivar tended to stability in THg accumulation across sites. Some cultivars accumulated lower concentrations of both THg and MeHg in seeds at fields seriously contaminated by Hg. Present results suggest that appropriate cultivar selection is a possible way to reduce THg and MeHg accumulation in seeds of rice grown in Hg-contaminated regions.

Active role of the predecidual-like zone in endometrial shedding in a mouse menstrual-like model

Cyclic shedding of the endometrium is unique to menstruating species. The status of the decidua in mouse menstrual-like models seems to differ from that of the predecidua in humans before endometrial breakdown. The aim of this study was to determine how this difference in decidual status is related to endometrial breakdown. A mouse menstruallike model was generated by pharmacological progesterone withdrawal. Histomorphological analysis and reticular fiber staining were used to evaluate endometrial status. In situ zymography was used to determine the localization of active collagenase and gelatinase. The functional endometrial layer containing the mature decidual-like zone (MDZ) and predecidual-like zone (PZ) underwent breakdown. The reticular fibers underwent disruption and fragmentation and became loose or disappeared at 12 h in the PZ, where active collagenase and gelatinase were limited. The reticular fibers were visibly reduced at 24 h in the MDZ, where active collagenase was detected. A few reticular fibers remained; however, the functional layer had sloughed into the lumen of the uterus. The results showed that reticular fibers of the PZ are actively degraded during endometrial shedding.