[Glabridin reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury in rats by inhibiting p38 mitogen activated protein kinase/extracellular regulated protein kinases signaling pathway]

Objective: To investigate whether glabridin has a beneficial effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in rats, and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods: Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly assigned into control group, model group (LPS group), glabridin group (GLA group), and ulinastatin group (UTI group), with 8 rats in each group. ARDS rat model was reproduced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg). The rats in the control group received an equal volume of normal saline at the same times. The rats in GLA group were gavaged by glabridin (30 mg/kg). The rats in UTI group were injected ulinastatin (20 000 U/kg). Animals were sacrificed 12 hours after LPS challenge. Plasma and lung tissue samples were collected. Histopathological evaluation, lung wet/dry (W/D)ratio, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-18 (IL-18), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were analyzed. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the protein expression of p38MAPK and ERK. Western blot method was used to detect the changes of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p-p38MAPK) and phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases (pERK) protein expression in lung tissues. Result: In the control groups, lung tissue showed a normal structure and clear pulmonary alveoli under a light microscope. In the model group, ARDS characters such as extensive thickening of the alveolar wall, significant infiltration of inflammatory cells, demolished structure of pulmonary alveoli, and hemorrhage were found. In the GLA and UTI treatment group, these pathological changes in lung were markedly alleviated compare with LPS-induced ARDS group. Compared with control groups, lung W/D ratio, TNF-α and IL-18 in plasma, and lung MDA, NO levels in lung homogenates of the LPS group were increased significantly, while the lung SOD levels of the LPS group were decreased. Compared with the LPS group, lung W/D ratio, TNF-α and IL-18 in plasma , and lung MDA, NO levels in lung homogenates of the GLA group and UTI group were decreased significantly, while the lung SOD levels of the GLA and ulinastatin groups were increased [TNF-α(μg/L): 51.7±10.3 vs 105.7±30.5, IL-18(μg/L): 37.9±13.9 vs 49.2±14.5, MDA (nmol/mgprot): 2.87±0.62 vs 3.81±0.42, NO(μmol/L): 18.96±0.79 vs 28.58±2.51, SOD(U/mgprot): 115.5±15.2 vs 75.9±14.0, all P<0.05]. Immunohistochemistry showed that the positive expressions of p38MAPK and ERK in cytoplasm and nucleus of the glabridin and ulinastatin treatment group were significantly lower than those of the model group. Western blot showed that compared with the control group, the p-p38MAPK and pERK protein expression in LPS group were significantly increased. And the glabridin and ulinastatin inhibited the protein expressions compared with model group. Conclusion: Traditional Chinese medicine glabridin significantly ameliorated the lung injury induced by LPS in rats via reducing inflammation which caused by the inhibition of p38MAPK and ERK signaling pathway and antioxidant effect.

[Prenatal diagnosis of women with an adverse reproductive history using both traditional karyotyping and SNP-array]

Objective: To explore the occurrence of fetal chromosomal abnormalities among pregnant women with an adverse reproductive history using traditional karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP-array) technology. Methods: Totally 94 in 2 163 (4.35%) cases of singleton pregnant women with an adverse reproductive history were performed amniocentesis in Jinhua Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from June 2015 to June 2017. Traditional karyotyping and SNP-array were employed simultaneously for prenatal diagnosis, and the detection rates of the two methods were compared. Results: All of the 94 specimens were successfully analyzed, 11 cases were found with chromosomal anomaly, the overall detection rate was 11.7%(11/94). Seven (7.4%,7/94) abnormalities cases were detected by karyotyping, and 7(7.4%) by SNP-array. The karyotyping results of trisomy 21, and 45,X and the deletion of chromosome 13 were consistent with SNP-array. Only 3 (3.2%, 3/94) microdeletion/duplications (the sizes of duplications and deletions were between 422.4-1 708.4 kb) and 1 (1/4) loss of heterozygosity were detected by SNP-array, but were missed by karyotyping. Furthermore, 2 cases' copy number variation were found pathogenic gene related, while the other 2 were considered benign or variant of uncertain significance. Four cases (4/7) of abnormalities were detected by karyotyping, while confirmed balanced translocation and inversion by SNP-array. All patients were informed and chosen to continue the pregnancy. Conclusions: The rate of abnormal fetal chromosomes in pregnant women with an adverse reproductive history is still high. SNP-array is a new molecular genetic technique, and combined with use of traditional karyotyping, it could improve the detection rate of fetal chromosomal abnormalities and reduce abortion rate, thus providing a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

[Progress on Determination and Analysis of Zopiclone in Biological Samples]

As a new hypnotic, zopiclone is widely used in clinical treatment. There are many methods for determination of zopiclone, including spectrophotometry, chromatography and chromatography mass spectrum, etc. Present paper reviews different kinds of biological samples associated with zopiclone, extraction and purification methods, and determination and analysis methods, which aims to provide references for the relevant research and practice.

[Effect of different anesthetic methods on postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of general or regional anesthesia on postoperative cardiopulmonary complications and inpatient mortality after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted according to the medical records of 572 elderly patients with hip fractures admitted to our hospital from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2014. The age, gender, preoperative comorbidities, length of preoperative bedridden time, mechanism of injury, surgical types, anesthetic methods, major postoperative complications and inpatient mortality were recorded. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the impact of different anesthetic methods on inpatient mortality in these patients.

RESULTS

Of the 572 patients, 392 (68.5%) received regional anesthesia. Inpatient death occurred in 8 (8/572, mortality: 1.4%), including 5 cases of RA group (5/392, mortality: 1.3%) and 3 cases of GA group (3/180, mortality: 1.7%). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in inpatient mortality (P>0.05). Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that gender (odds ratio: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.03-1.05, P=0.057), age (odds ratio: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.38, P=0.002), preoperative pulmonary comorbidities (odds ratio: 12.09, 95% CI: 2.28-64.12, P=0.003) and surgical types (odds ratio: 9.36, 95% CI: 1.34-64.26, P=0.024) were risk factors for inpatient mortality. Postoperative cardiovascular complications occurred in 36 patients (36/572, morbidity: 6.3%), with 19 patients in RA group (19/392, morbidity: 4.8%),and 17 patients in GA group (17/180, morbidity: 9.4%). Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07-1.19, P<0.001), hypertension (odds ratio: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.24-5.96, P=0.012) and preoperative cerebral comorbidities (odds ratio: 2.11, 95% CI: 0.99-4.52, P=0.054) were risk factors for postoperative cardiovascular complications. Postoperative pulmonary complications occurred in 56 patients (56/572, morbidity: 9.8%), with 19 patients in RA group (19/392, morbidity: 4.8%), and 37 patients in GA group (37/180, morbidity: 20.6%). Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07-1.19, P<0.001), preoperative pulmonary comorbidities (odds ratio: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.28-7.05, P=0.020), length of preoperative bedridden time (odds ratio: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.18, P=0.003) and anesthetic methods (odds ratio: 5.86, 95% CI: 2.98-11.53, P<0.001) were risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSION

General anesthesia may not affect the inpatient mortality after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients. Regional anesthesia is associated with a lower risk of pulmonary complications after surgical procedure compared with general anesthesia.

[Clinical features and advanced progress of secondary BPPV]

BPPV is a disease provoked by abrupt head movements, results in short paroxysmal vertigo or nystagmus. These patients often can accurately describe the dizziness happened when they head move suddenly, especially when looking upward, turning over in bed, lying down, or bending over. BPPV is divided into idiopathic BPPV and secondary BPPV, in most cases. The underlying cause cannot be determined, which is called idiopathic; however, in 30% patients, BPPV may be attributed to a specific cause and is termed secondary BPPV. We reviewed the pathogenesis, mechanisms, clinical features, treatment and the latest progress of secondary BPPV.

A Mouse Model of Chronic Pancreatitis Induced by an Alcohol and High Fat Diet

Background/Aims:

Study of acute pancreatitis in chemically-induced rodent models has provided useful data; models of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis have not been available in mice. The aim of the present study was to characterize a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis induced solely with an alcohol and high fat (AHF) diet.

Methods:

Mice were fed a liquid high fat diet containing 6% alcohol as well as a high fat supplement (57% total dietary fat) over a period of five months or as control, normal chow ad libitum. Pain related measures utilized as an index of pain included mechanical sensitivity of the hind paws determined using von Frey filaments and a smooth/rough textured plate. A modified hotplate test contributed information about higher order behavioral responses to visceral hypersensitivity. Mice underwent mechanical and thermal testing both with and without pharmacological treatment with a peripherally restricted μ-opioid receptor agonist, loperamide.

Results:

Mice on the AHF diet exhibited mechanical and heat hypersensitivity as well as fibrotic histology indicative of chronic pancreatitis. Low dose, peripherally restricted opiate loperamide attenuated both mechanical and heat hypersensitivity.

Conclusion:

Mice fed an alcohol and high fat diet develop histology consistent with chronic pancreatitis as well as opioid sensitive mechanical and heat hypersensitivity.

[Clinicopathologic features and genetic profile of the redefined large cell lung carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic features and genetic profile of large cell lung carcinoma (LCC) redefined by new classification. Methods: Basing on 2015 WHO classification criteria in redefining large cell lung carcinoma, the expression of specific markers (TTF1, Napsin A, p40, CK5/6, CK, vimentin and ZEB1) was detected by immunohistochemistry and D-PAS staining in 303 surgically-removed lung specimens previously diagnosed as large cell lung carcinoma. The clinicopathologic and genetic characteristics (including EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, ALK and ROS1 gene mutation) were analyzed. Results: Based on the new definition of LCC, 116 cases (116/303, 38.3%) of LCC formerly diagnosed were reclassified as solid adenocarcinoma, 49 cases (49/303, 16.2%) as squamous cell carcinoma, 6 cases (6/303, 2.0%) as adenosquamous carcinoma, 22 cases (22/303, 7.3%) as spindle cell carcinoma and only 110 cases (110/303, 36.3%) as large cell carcinoma. Redefined LCCs were characterized as middle-age (range 40-80), male (102/110, 92.7%) and smoking patients (64/110, 58.2%) with intermediate-advanced stage. Among 110 cases, 9 cases with EGFR mutation and 10 cases with KRAS mutation and 1 case with ALK fusion were found. No BRAF and ROS1 alterations were identified. Conclusions: According to the new classification, LCCs formerly diagnosed are mostly reclassified as adenocarcinoma and non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. The newly defined LCC may significantly benefit from clinical therapy.

[Clinicopathologic features and epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation of primary pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinicopathological features and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation of primary pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (PMC).

METHODS

Fifth-five cases of PMC were included in the study; their clinicopathological, immunohistochemical features were evaluated, and in 31 cases, paraffin embedded specimens were subjected to mutation analysis of exons 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the EGFR gene by ARMS method.

RESULTS

There were 32 females and 23 males. The patients' age ranged from 11 to 68 years(mean 36 years). The tumor size ranged from 0.7 to 5.5 cm(mean 2.4 cm). The tumors were located in the segmental bronchus and upper segmental bronchus. The tumors were well-demarcated, had no obvious capsules, and protruded into the bronchial lumen. Microscopically, there were three types of tumor cells including squamous cells, mucin-producing cells and intermediate cells. Fifty-three cases were low grade, two were high grade and both showed lymph node metastases. Immunohistochemically the tumor cells were uniformly negative for TTF1, Napsin A and ALK (Ventana D5F3) in all 55 cases. The tumor cells were positive for CK7, and some squamous and intermediate cells were positive for p63 and CK5/6 in all 55 cases; whereas they were positive for p40 in 53 cases. The mucin-producing cells were negative for CK5/6, p63 and p40, but were positive for PAS in all 55 cases. The Ki-67 positive rate was <10% in the low grade PMC, and was about 80%-90% in the high grade cases. Follow-up information was available in 37 patients, with no recurrence or death. There were no EGFR gene mutations in all 31 patients of PMC.

CONCLUSIONS

PMC is a rare malignant salivary gland-type tumor occurring mainly in the central trachea of young patients.Most PMCs are low grade with good prognosis. The rate of lymph node metastasis of high grade PMC is high. Diagnosing PMC in small biopsies could be problematic. The lack of TTF1 expression is helpful to differentiate from other primary lung cancers. There is no EGFR gene mutation in PMC.

Enhanced toxicity to the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa by low-dosage repeated exposure to the allelochemical N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine

It has been puzzling whether and how a plant could exert a strong allelopathic inhibition to the target organisms by releasing low concentrations of allelochemicals. Plant allelochemicals have been proposed to be released continuously, however, direct evidence from specific allelochemicals is urgently required. In the present study, the toxicity of allelochemical N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine (NPN) towards the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa by two different exposure patterns was compared. One was low-dosage repeated exposure (LRE), in which 50  μg L^-1 NPN was repeatedly dosed to simulate the continual release of allelochemicals, and the other one was high-dosage single exposure (HSE) as per the routine toxicity assay. The results showed a significant growth inhibition to M. aeruginosa in the LRE group, where the inhibition rate reached above 90% from day 6 to day 9. The cell-membrane damage ratio increased from 64.05% on day 5 up to 96.60% on day 9. PSII photosynthesis activity expressed as Fv/Fm, Φ_PSII, NPQ and ETRmax was also thoroughly inhibited in this group. Whereas the growth and PSII photosynthesis activity of M. aeruginosa in the HSE group were inhibited initially, but recovered gradually from day 4 or 5, which was accompanied by a continuous reduction of NPN content in culture solutions. Although NPN content in the LRE group was relatively lower, it remained at a more stable level throughout the experiment. These results indicate that continual release of low-dosage allelochemicals by aquatic plants plays crucial roles in their potent inhibition against cyanobacteria. Low-dosage continual exposure pattern needs to be investigated further.

[Glycemic variability and short-term outcome in critically ill]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the association of blood glucose variability and short-term outcome in critically ill.

METHODS

The retrospective study including 552 patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from January 2013 to March 2015. The initial blood glucose (GluAdm), the first 24 hours average blood glucose(GluMV1d) and glycemic lability index(GLI1d), 72-hour average blood glucose (GluMV3d) and glycemic lability index(GLI3d) were recorded. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was applied to evaluate the association between GluAdm, GLI1d, GLI3d and APACHE Ⅱ score and prognosis.

RESULTS

The levels of APACHE Ⅱ, GluAdm, GLI 1d, GLI 3d of nonsurvivors were higher than those of survivors[(23.2±5.2) vs (16.7±4.4), (12.3±5.2)mmol/L vs(9.2±2.2)mmol/L, (23.3±12.2)vs(12.3±11.1), (21.6±19.3)vs(13.2±9.9), P<0.05]; there was no statistically significant difference between GluMV1d and GluMV3d; when ROC was applied, and the area under the curve (AUC) of APACHEⅡ, GLI1d and GLI3d were 0.826±0.035, 0.726±0.052 and 0.786±0.046, which were significantly higher than the GluMV1d and GluMV3d (0.412±0.031, 0.425±0.026, P<0.05) .It is correlated between GluAdm, GLI1d, GLI3d and the 28-day mortality, ICU days and total time of hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Blood glucose variability is closely related with the mortality in critical ill patients, GLI1d, GLI3d and APACHEⅡ score of critically ill patients have a similar predictive value in the short-term prognosis.

A large-scale analysis study on the clinical and viral characteristics of hepatitis B infection with concurrence of hepatitis B surface or E antigens and their corresponding antibodies

Concurrent detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs antibody or hepatitis B surface E antigen (HBeAg) and anti-HBe antibody in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is well established. However, the clinical implications of these proteins remain largely unknown. In this study, demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from 124,865 patients with chronic CHB infection were analyzed. Viral genotypes were determined by nested polymerase chain reaction. A chemiluminescent assay was applied to measure HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb in sera. Among 124,865 patients with CHB infection, 324 (0.3%) were concurrently positive for HBsAg and anti-HBs, and 206 (0.2%) were concurrently positive for HBeAg and anti-HBe. The HBeAg+/anti-HBe+ group was composed of younger patients (P < 0.05). Subgenotype B2 was prevalent in HBV patients concurrently positive for HBeAg and anti-HBe, while HBV patients positive for both HBsAg and anti-HBs exhibited the C2 subgenotype. Among 530 concurrent patients, 126 (39%) HBsAg+/anti-HBs+ patients were in the low-replication phase, and 62 (19%) were in the reactivation phase; 87 (42%) HBeAg+/anti-HBe+, and 19 (6%) HBsAg+/anti-HBs+ patients were in the immune clearance phase. In this large-scale analysis, the clinical and viral characteristics of HBV infections with concurrent HBs Ag/antibody or HBe Ag/antibody presentations have been examined, and the results may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of CHB patients.

[Influence of collagen/fibroin scaffolds containing silver nanoparticles on dermal regeneration of full-thickness skin defect wound in rat]

Objective: To explore the influence of collagen/fibroin scaffolds containing silver nanoparticles on dermal regeneration of full-thickness skin defect wound in rat. Methods: Eighty-one collagen/fibroin scaffolds containing silver nanoparticles (with the mass concentration of silver nanoparticles as 10 mg/L) and 81 collagen/fibroin scaffolds without silver nanoparticles were produced respectively with freeze-drying method and enrolled as silver nanoparticles scaffold group (SNS) and control scaffold group (CS). Nine scaffolds in each group were cultured with human fibroblasts. At post culture hour (PCH) 2, 12, and 24, the human fibroblasts adherent to the scaffolds (n=3) in two groups were counted. Four full-thickness skin defect wounds were reproduced on the back of each one of the 36 SD rats. The rats were divided into groups SNS (wounds were transplanted with collagen/fibroin scaffolds containing silver nanoparticles) and CS (wounds were transplanted with collagen/fibroin scaffolds without silver nanoparticles) according to the random number table, with 18 rats in each group. In post surgery week (PSW) 1, 2, and 4, 6 rats in each group were sacrificed respectively for general observation, observation of histological structure, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition with HE staining, count of CD68 positive cells with immunohistochemical staining, and mRNA expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 with real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) At PCH 2, 12, and 24, the numbers of human fibroblasts adherent to the scaffolds in the two groups were close (with t values from 1.77 to 2.60, P values above 0.05). (2) In PSW 1, no obvious symptom of infection was observed in wound or wound edge of rats in group SNS with obvious vascularization of scaffolds, while obvious symptoms of infection were observed in wounds of rats in group CS with some scaffolds exfoliated. In PSW 2, the scaffolds were firmly attached to the wounds of rats in group SNS, while obvious contracture was observed in the wounds of rats in group CS with a lot of scaffolds exfoliated. In PSW 4, the scaffolds covered the wounds of rats in group SNS with obvious epithelization on the surface of the scaffolds, while all the scaffolds exfoliated, leaving obvious contracture of residual wounds of rats in group CS. (3) In PSW 1 and 2, compared with those in group CS, more collagen secretion and tissue regeneration and less inflammatory cell infiltration in the scaffolds were observed in the wounds of rats in group SNS. In PSW 4, obvious epithelization was observed in the wounds of rats in group SNS, while inflammatory cell infiltration was observed without obvious epithelization in the wounds of rats in group CS. (4) In PSW 1, the number of CD68 positive cells in the wounds of rats in group SNS [(54±10) /mm(2)] was similar to that in group CS [(78±7) /mm(2,) t=1.52, P>0.05]. In PSW 2 and 4, the numbers of CD68 positive cells in the wounds of rats in group SNS [(154±10) and (77±7) /mm(2)] were significantly less than those in group CS [(268±16) and (136±13) /mm(2,) with t values respectively 7.31 and 3.83, P values below 0.01] respectively. (5) Except for the expression in PSW 4 (t=1.23, P>0.05), the mRNA expressions of IL-6 in the wounds of rats in group SNS in PSW 1 and 2 were significantly lower than those in group CS (with t values respectively 13.12 and 4.65, P values below 0.01). Except for the expression in PSW 1 (t=3.08, P<0.05), the mRNA expressions of IL-10 in PSW 2 and 4 in the wounds of rats in the two groups were similar (with t values respectively 2.14 and 0.49, P values above 0.05). Conclusions: Besides good biocompatibility, collagen/fibroin scaffolds containing silver nanoparticles have obvious effect in modulating inflammation, thus they can accelerate dermal regeneration induced by collagen/fibroin scaffolds for wound repair.

[Genotype distribution of human enteroviruses isolated from swage in Shanghai during year 2013-2014]

Objective: To explore the time and genotype distribution of human enterovirus (HEV) isolated from sewage in Shanghai in 2013-2014. Methods: One sewage sample each was collected from two local sewage plants located in Minhang District and Jiading District on the same day at the day 24-28 of every month from 2013 to 2014. Each sample weighed 1 L. The specimens were concentrated by anionic membrane absorption, eluted with beef extract solution, and then used to inoculate RD, HEp-2, and L20B cell lines. A total of 249 enterovirus strains were isolated from sewage samples during the study period, including 185 non-polio enterovirus (NPEV) and 64 poliovirus (PV) strains, which were identified as vaccine strains. RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify HEV genotypes. Homologous analysis of VP1 sequences was conducted using BioEdit (version 7.0.0). Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the neighbor-joining method based on the alignment of VP1 gene sequences using MEGA (version 4.0.2). Results: Among 185 NPEV strains, 178 strains were successfully sequenced and classified into 15 genotypes, including coxsackievirus group B (CVB) 2, 3, and 5; enteric cytopathic human orphan (ECHO) virus 1, 3, 6, 7, 11, 13, 19, 20, 24, 25, and 30; and coxsackievirus group A 4. CVB5 and ECHO6 genotypes accounted for 33.5% (56 strains) and 24.9% (43 strains) of NPEV isolates, respectively. During the study period, HEV isolates were mainly isolated in summer and autumn in Minhang District. ECHO6 strains were frequently isolated from June 2013 to July 2014. Thereafter, the number of ECHO6 strains gradually reduced in the second half of 2014. CVB5 strains demonstrated scattered distribution from 2013 to the first half of 2014 and gradually increased in the second half of 2014. The distribution of ECHO6 and CVB5 strains in Jiading District was similar to that in Minhang District. In 2013-2014, CVB5 strains comprised C6 and C8 subgenotypes, which belong to two transmission chains and show large differences compared with foreign strains isolated during the same period. ECHO6 strains comprised C6, C8, and D9 subgenotypes, which belong to three transmission chains. Moreover, ECHO6 subgenotype D9 was a dominant subgenotype in Shanghai, with broad geographical distribution both at home and abroad. Conclusion: Poliovirus was identified as a vaccine strain in environmental surveillance from June 2013 to April 2014 in Shanghai. Several transmission strains of ECHO6 and CVB5 were identified, which were the dominant serotypes.

[DOTAP liposome-mediated transfection of human adipose-derived stemcells with pIRES2-EGFP-VEGF plasmid and target gene expression]

Objective:To explore liposome-mediated transfection of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) with vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) gene and to investigate the expression of VEGF after transfection.Method:Lipoaspirate was digested using collagenase.Cell pellet was harvested and subcultured to passage 4.Phenotype was detected with flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation was induced for the identification of hASCs.hASCs was transfected with pIRES2-EGFP-VEGF plasmid using DOTAP liposome.The intracellular expression of VEGF was detected by immunofluorescent staining and the VEGF concentration in supernatant was analyzed by ELISA.Result:1 ml lipoaspirate yielded(4.38±0.21)×10⁵ cells.hASCs on passage 4 showed high expression of CD90(81.49%) and low expression of CD19(6.37%),CD31(14.91%),CD34(17.56%) and CD45(15.39%).GFP and VEGF were observed in transfected hASCs.The transfection efficiency was(43.69±18.53)%.Untransfected hASCs did not express GFP but low level of VEGF.The optical density of VEGF intransfected hASCs is 2.13 fold of untransfected hASCs.The VEGF concentration in supernatant of transfected hASCs significantly increased over time and exhibit statistic differences compared with untransfected hASCs(P<0.05).Conclusion:hASCs were successfully transfected with pIRES2-EGFP-VEGF plasmid using DOTAP liposome.The post-transfection expression and secretion of VEGF remarkably increased.

Lack of association between ERCC5 gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk in a Chinese population

We conducted a case-control study to assess the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ERCC5 promoter (rs2094258 and rs751402) and development of gastric cancer in a Chinese population. This investigation included 184 patients with pathologically diagnosed gastric cancer and 206 healthy subjects recruited between October 2012 and December 2014. The genotyping of ERCC5 rs2094258 and rs751402 variants was performed by polymerase chain reaction coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism. Genotype distributions of these polymorphisms conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both patient (P = 0.25 for rs2094258 and P = 0.61 for rs751402) and control groups (P = 0.48 for rs2094258 and P = 0.42 for rs751402). Using unconditional logistic regression analysis, we found that neither of these ERCC5 variants was associated with increased risk of gastric cancer under co-dominant, dominant, or recessive models (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we suggest that the rs2094258 and rs751402 polymorphisms are not connected to the development of this disease under codominant, dominant, and recessive models.

[Prognostic significance of the changes of elastic fibers in acinar predominant or papillary-predominant pulmonary adenocarcinomas]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of elastic fiber changes in predicting survival outcomes in intermediate-grade lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

All pulmonary adenocarcinoma resections conducted between January 2009 and December 2009 were reviewed. Pathologically confirmed adenocarcinomas smaller than 3 cm were included in the present study. All cases were categorized into three elastic fiber patterns (EFP): complete loss as pattern Ⅰ (EFP Ⅰ), partial loss as pattern Ⅱ (EFP Ⅱ), normal and diffusely increase as pattern Ⅲ (EFP Ⅲ). Patients with different EFP were compared.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety four patients were included in this study, with 67(34.5%), 70(36.1%)and 57(29.4%) cases presenting as EFP Ⅰ, EFP Ⅱ, and EFP Ⅲ, respectively. Lymph nodal metastases occurred in 35.8% (24/67), 40.0% (28/70), and 10.5% (6/57) of EFP Ⅰ, EFP Ⅱ and EFP Ⅲ patterns, respectively. The percentage of EFP Ⅰ and Ⅱ increased with increasing tumor size, these patterns occurring in 55.1% (38/69) of tumors ≤2.0 cm, and 79.2% (99/125) of tumors 2.1-3.0 cm in sizes, respectively. The overall 5-year overall survival rate was 75.8%, and 67.2% for EFP I, 68.6% for EFP II, and 94.7% for EFP Ⅲ.

CONCLUSION

In patients with intermediate-grade lung adenocarcinoma, EFP should be formally recognized as a feature of tumor invasion, and its evaluation can help to recognize tumor invasive and access clinical prognosis.

Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis

BACKGROUND

Current arthritis treatments often have side-effects attributable to active compounds as well as route of administration. Cannabidiol (CBD) attenuates inflammation and pain without side-effects, but CBD is hydrophobic and has poor oral bioavailability. Topical drug application avoids gastrointestinal administration, first pass metabolism, providing more constant plasma levels.

METHODS

This study examined efficacy of transdermal CBD for reduction in inflammation and pain, assessing any adverse effects in a rat complete Freund's adjuvant-induced monoarthritic knee joint model. CBD gels (0.6, 3.1, 6.2 or 62.3 mg/day) were applied for 4 consecutive days after arthritis induction. Joint circumference and immune cell invasion in histological sections were measured to indicate level of inflammation. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) in response to noxious heat stimulation determined nociceptive sensitization, and exploratory behaviour ascertained animal's activity level.

RESULTS

Measurement of plasma CBD concentration provided by transdermal absorption revealed linearity with 0.6-6.2 mg/day doses. Transdermal CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling, limb posture scores as a rating of spontaneous pain, immune cell infiltration and thickening of the synovial membrane in a dose-dependent manner. PWL recovered to near baseline level. Immunohistochemical analysis of spinal cord (CGRP, OX42) and dorsal root ganglia (TNFα) revealed dose-dependent reductions of pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Results showed 6.2 and 62 mg/day were effective doses. Exploratory behaviour was not altered by CBD indicating limited effect on higher brain function.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviours and inflammation without evident side-effects.

Aging alters histone H3 lysine 4 methylation in mouse germinal vesicle stage oocytes

Decreasing oocyte competence with maternal aging is a major factor in mammalian infertility. One of the factors contributing to this infertility is changes to chromatin modifications, such as histone acetylation in old MII stage oocytes. Recent studies indicate that changes in histone acetylation at MII arise at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage. We hypothesised that histone methylation could also change in old GV oocytes. To test this hypothesis, we examined mono-, di- and trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4 me1, me2 and me3, respectively) in young and older oocytes from 6-8- and 42-44-week-old mice, respectively. We found that H3K4 me2 and me3 decreased in older compared with young GV oocytes (100% vs. 81% and 100% vs. 87%, respectively; P<0.05). H3K4 me2 later increased in older MII oocytes (21% vs. 56%; P<0.05). We also examined the expression of genes encoding the H3K4 demethylases lysine (K)-specific demethylase 1A (Kdm1a) and retinol binding protein 2 (Rbp2). Expression of Kdm1a increased at both the mRNA and protein levels in older GV oocytes, but decreased in older MII oocytes (P<0.05), and was negatively correlated with H3K4 me2 levels. Conversely, expression of Rbp2 mRNA and protein decreased in older GV oocytes (P<0.05), and this was not correlated with H3K4 me3 levels. Finally, we showed that inhibition of Kdm1a of older oocytes at the GV stage restored levels of H3K4 me2 at the MII stage to those seen in 'young' oocytes (41% vs. 38%; P>0.05). These results suggest that changes in expression of H3K4 me2 and Kdm1a in older GV oocytes may represent a molecular mechanism underlying human infertility caused by aging.

Alcohol and high fat induced chronic pancreatitis: TRPV4 antagonist reduces hypersensitivity

The pathogenesis of pain in chronic pancreatitis is poorly understood, and its treatment can be a major clinical challenge. Surgical and other invasive methods have variable outcomes that can be unsatisfactory. Therefore, there is a great need for further discovery of the pathogenesis of pancreatitis pain and new therapeutic targets. Human and animal studies indicate a critical role for oxidative stress and activation of transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel subfamily members TRPV1 and TRPA1 on pancreatic nociceptors in sensitization mechanisms that result in pain. However, the in vivo role of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) in chronic pancreatitis needs further evaluation. The present study characterized a rat alcohol/high fat diet (AHF)-induced chronic pancreatitis model with hypersensitivity, fibrotic pathology, and fat vacuolization consistent with the clinical syndrome. The rats with AHF-induced pancreatitis develop referred visceral pain-like behaviors, i.e. decreased hindpaw mechanical thresholds and shortened abdominal and hindpaw withdrawal latency to heat. In this study, oxidative stress was characterized as well as the role of TRPV4 in chronic visceral hypersensitivity. Lipid peroxidase and oxidative stress were indicated by increased plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and diminished pancreatic manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). The secondary sensitization associated with AHF-induced pancreatitis was effectively alleviated by the TRPV4 antagonist, HC 067047. Similarity of the results to those with the peripherally restricted μ-opiate receptor agonist, loperamide, suggested TRPV4 channel activated peripheral sensitization. This study using a reliable model that provides pre-clinical correlates of human chronic pancreatitis provides further evidence that TRPV4 channel is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of pancreatitis pain.

Trigeminal Inflammatory Compression (TIC) injury induces chronic facial pain and susceptibility to anxiety-related behaviors

Our laboratory previously developed a novel neuropathic and inflammatory facial pain model for mice referred to as the Trigeminal Inflammatory Compression (TIC) model. Rather than inducing whole nerve ischemia and neuronal loss, this injury induces only slight peripheral nerve demyelination triggering long-term mechanical allodynia and cold hypersensitivity on the ipsilateral whisker pad. The aim of the present study is to further characterize the phenotype of the TIC injury model using specific behavioral assays (i.e. light-dark box, open field exploratory activity, and elevated plus maze) to explore pain- and anxiety-like behaviors associated with this model. Our findings determined that the TIC injury produces hypersensitivity 100% of the time after surgery that persists at least 21 weeks post injury (until the animals are euthanized). Three receptive field sensitivity pattern variations in mice with TIC injury are specified. Animals with TIC injury begin displaying anxiety-like behavior in the light-dark box preference and open field exploratory tests at week eight post injury as compared to sham and naïve animals. Panic anxiety-like behavior was shown in the elevated plus maze in mice with TIC injury if the test was preceded with acoustic startle. Thus, in addition to mechanical and cold hypersensitivity, the present study identified significant anxiety-like behaviors in mice with TIC injury resembling the clinical symptomatology and psychosocial impairments of patients with chronic facial pain. Overall, the TIC injury model's chronicity, reproducibility, and reliability in producing pain- and anxiety-like behaviors demonstrate its usefulness as a chronic neuropathic facial pain model.

Association of the IFNAR1-17470 and IL-10-592 cytokine variants with susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B viral infections in a Chinese population

An association between the sequence variants of cytokine genes and various clinical outcomes in subjects infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been demonstrated. However, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. Further studies in other populations and the evaluation of a greater number of individuals may contribute to a better understanding of the influence of the cytokine genetic variants on the evolution of HBV infections. This study was performed to explore the relationships between the sequence variants of TNF-A-308, IFNAR1-17470, and IL-10-592 and the susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in a Chinese population. A total of 160 patients with CHB and 124 individuals who had spontaneously recovered (SR) from hepatitis B were enrolled in the present study. The variants at TNF-A-308, IFNAR1-17470, and IL-10-592 were determined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and were confirmed by bidirectional DNA sequencing. Significant differences were found between the CHB and the SR groups in the frequency and distribution of the genotypes of both IFNAR1-17470 and IL-10-592 genes. In comparison with the CHB patients with the IFNAR1-17470 G/G variant, the odds ratio (OR) of the CHB patients with the IFNAR1-17470 C/C variant developing chronic hepatitis was 2.06 (95%CI = 1.03-4.14). In addition, the OR of the patients with CHB having the IL-10-592 C/C variant developing chronic hepatitis was 2.77 (95%CI = 1.13-4.57) when compared with that of the patients with the IL-10-592 A/A variant. In conclusion, sequence variants of both the IFNAR1-17470 and IL-10-592 genes were correlated with susceptibility to CHB.

Study of the correlation between GH gene polymorphism and growth traits in sheep

The growth hormone gene plays an important role in the physiological function of an organism. The current study aimed to investigate the correlation between polymorphisms in the 5' regulatory region, exon 4, and 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the sheep GH gene and sheep growth traits. The DNA from 510 adult sheep was analyzed by DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism. Two alleles (A and B) and 3 genotypes (AA, AB, and BB), 2 alleles (A and B) and 3 genotypes (AA, AB, and BB), and 3 alleles (A, B, and C) and 4 genotypes (AA, AB, BB, and AC) were found within the 5' regulatory region, exon 4, and 3' UTR, respectively. In Tibetan sheep, the association analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the scores of weight, length, and heart girth within the 5' regulatory region; weight, length, wither height, and heart girth within exon 4; and weight, length, wither height, and heart girth within the 3' UTR among the different genotypes. For exon 4, Poll Dorset sheep individuals with genotype AA showed a lower score than those of genotypes BB and AB (P<0.05). With regard to the 3' UTR, Poll Dorset sheep with genotype AC showed higher scores than those of genotypes AA and AB (P<0.05).

Establishment of the optimum two-dimensional electrophoresis system of ovine ovarian tissue

Lambing performance of sheep is the most important economic trait and is regarded as a critic factoring affecting the productivity in sheep industry. Ovary plays the most roles in lambing trait. To establish the optimum two-dimensional electrophoresis system (2-DE) of ovine ovarian tissue, the common protein extraction methods of animal tissue (trichloroacetic acid/acetone precipitation and direct schizolysis methods) were used to extract ovine ovarian protein, and 17-cm nonlinear immobilized PH 3-10 gradient strips were used for 2-DE. The sample handling, loading quantity of the protein sample, and isoelectric focusing (IEF) steps were manipulated and optimized in this study. The results indicate that the direct schizolysis III method, a 200-μg loading quantity of the protein sample, and IEF steps II (20°C active hydration, 14 h→500 V, 1 h→1000 V 1 h→1000-9000 V, 6 h→80,000 VH→500 V 24 h) are optimal for 2-DE analysis of ovine ovarian tissue. Therefore, ovine ovarian tissue proteomics 2-DE was preliminarily established by the optimized conditions in this study; meanwhile, the conditions identified herein could provide a reference for ovarian sample preparation and 2-DE using tissues from other animals.