Carbon nanotubides: an alternative for dispersion, functionalization and composites fabrication

In this review, we systematically describe the state-of-knowledge in the area of carbon nanotubides (CNTDs). CNTDs can be used for achieving highly concentrated dispersions of SWCNTs and can also be used as an important intermediate for covalent chemical modification. In recent years, researchers have used SWCNTDs as starting materials for the functionalization of SWCNTs with functionalities such as alkyl chains, carboxylic acids, sulfide, amino, hydroxyl, silyl, bromide, ethers, ketones and polymers. Also, we discussed the observed selectivity on the covalent functionalization towards certain classes of CNTs. Finally, we describe the use of SWCNTDs in the manufacture of fibers, films and other functional materials.

NOD2 pathway via RIPK2 and TBK1 is involved in the aberrant catabolism induced by T-2 toxin in chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the key intracellular pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and its role in the unbalanced extracellular matrix gene expressions of chondrocytes treated by T-2 toxin, a potential etiological factor for cartilage damages.

DESIGN

Differential expressions of intracellular PRRs after T-2 toxin treatment were screened by RT-qPCR in chondrocytes. RNAi was used to knockdown the expression of NOD2 and its two downstream signal molecules, RIPK2, and TBK1, for observing the effects of NOD2 pathway on regulation of metabolism gene expressions by RT-qPCR. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activity was determined by gelatin zymography. The inhibitor of NF-κB and ROS scavenger were exploited to analyze the mechanism of NOD2 up-regulation in chondrocytes treated with T-2 toxin.

RESULTS

In chondrocytes treated with T-2 toxin, anabolism genes were down-regulated whereas catabolism genes were up-regulated, and NOD2 was identified as a significantly up-regulated gene. Intervening NOD2 expression via RNAi could ameliorate the down-regulation of anabolism genes, while inhibit the up-regulation of catablolism genes induced by T-2 toxin in chondrocytes. RNAi of RIPK2 and TBK1 in chondrocytes could obtain the similar outcome. Furthermore, up-regulation of NOD2 expression induced by T-2 toxin could be abrogated by pretreating the cells with inhibitors of NF-κB and scavenger of ROS.

CONCLUSION

T-2 toxin could up-regulate NOD2 expression via ROS/NF-κB pathway and activate NOD2 signaling pathway. The up-regulated NOD2 would affect the metabolism gene expressions and MMP activity in chondrocytes via RIPK2 and TBK1. The findings add new insights into understanding NOD2 effects on chondrocytes treated with T-2 toxin.

Emergence of a new GII.17 norovirus variant in patients with acute gastroenteritis in Jiangsu, China, September 2014 to March 2015

From September 2014 to March 2015, 23 outbreaks of norovirus (NoV) acute gastroenteritis occurred in Jiangsu, China. Partial sequencing of the NoV capsid gene suggested that 16 of the 23 outbreaks were related to a new GII.17 variant. This variant was first detected in sporadic specimens in October 2014, and became predominant in February 2015. Analysis of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and complete capsid including the protruding domain P2 sequences confirmed this GII.17 variant as distinct from previously identified GII variants.

Prognostic significance of preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in patients with gallbladder carcinoma

PURPOSE

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were immune response-related indicators. Preoperative NLR and PLR had been considered to be related to the prognosis of various cancers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of NLR and PLR in patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC).

METHODS

From 2001 to 2013, 145 patients with GBC were recruited in this retrospective study. Cutoff values of NLR and PLR were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC). The correlation of clinical data, including tumor differentiation, nevin stage, TNM stage, operation margin, operation mode, NLR, PLR, hemoglobin, C reactive protein (CRP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) with median survival period of patients was analyzed by univariate survival analysis. The multivariate prognosis analysis was performed to select the independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The cutoff values of NLR and PLR were 1.94 and 113.34, respectively. Compared with low NLR and low PLR group, the 5-year survival rates in high NLR and high PLR group were reduced (P < 0.05). The degree of tumor differentiation, nevin stage, TNM stage, operation mode, NLR, PLR, CA199, total bilirubin, CRP and CEA were associated with the median survival period of patients (P < 0.01). The multivariate prognosis analysis showed that NLR, nevin stage, operation mode and hemoglobin were independent prognostic factors (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative NLR and PLR were closely related to prognosis of patients with GBC and might be useful for the evaluation of prognosis of patients with GBC.

Production, characterization and immunogenicity of P particles derived from norovirus GII.4 genotype 2004 variant

Norovirus (NoV) is the main cause of nonbacterial infectious gastroenteritis. Due to the difficulty of culturing the virus, research on vaccine against NoV is focused on virus-like particles (VLPs). On the other hand, the P particles assembled from the P domains of NoV capsid protein become a promising vaccine candidate. GII.4 is the most prevalent genotype of NoV. While the immunogenicity of P particles derived from the GII.4 1996 variant has been investigated, the research on P particles of more recently prevalent variants is lacking. In this study, the P domain of the capsid protein of GII.4 genotype 2004 variant was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and auto-assembled into P particles of 14-25 nm. Immunization with P particles induced specific serum antibodies with titers of 245,600 and 145,700 in mice and rabbits, respectively. The GII.4 NoV 2004 variant bound to type A, B and O secretor-positive saliva and immune sera blocked this binding, suggesting induction of neutralizing activity in such sera. Thus, this study demonstrated the immunogenicity of NoV P particles generated from E. coli and provided evidence supporting the development of this approach.

Differentiation of transforming growth factor β1-induced mesenchymal stem cells into nucleus pulposus-like cells under simulated microgravity conditions

This study aims to observe the differentiation effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) into the nucleus pulposus-like cells under simulated microgravity conditions. BMMSCs were isolated from the adult rabbits, then cultured and proliferated to the third generation. After transfected by TGF-β1, these MMSCs were incubated in the calcium alginate gel microspheres and rotary cell culture system. The content changes of TGF-β1 inside BMMSCs, as well as the proliferation abilities of BMMSCs, were detected. The immunohistochemistry and toluidine blue staining were performed to detect the type II collagen. The RT-PCR method was performed to detect the expressions of proteoglycan and type II collagen mRNA. Results found that, on the 14th day, the polygonal nucleus pulposus-like cells could be observed. The TGF-β1 content inside the supernatant and the DNA content inside BMMSCs were significantly increased (P<0.05). The immunohistochemistry staining exhibited the positive results about the type II collagen. RT-PCR showed the expressions of proteoglycan and type II collagen mRNA inside BMMSCs. The TGF-β1-transfected BMSCs exhibited the increased synthesizing abilities of proteoglycan and type II collagen under simulated microgravity conditions than the control group.

An association analysis between psychophysical characteristics and genome-wide gene expression changes in human adaptation to the extreme climate at the Antarctic Dome Argus

Genome-wide gene expression measurements have enabled comprehensive studies that integrate the changes of gene expression and phenotypic information to uncover their novel associations. Here we reported the association analysis between psychophysical phenotypes and genome-wide gene expression changes in human adaptation to one of the most extreme climates on Earth, the Antarctic Dome Argus. Dome A is the highest ice feature in Antarctica, and may be the coldest, driest and windiest location on earth. It is considered unapproachable due to its hostile environment. In 2007, a Chinese team of 17 male explorers made the expedition to Dome A for scientific investigation. Overall, 133 psychophysical phenotypes were recorded, and genome-wide gene expression profiles from the blood samples of the explorers were measured before their departure and upon their arrival at Dome A. We found that mood disturbances, including tension (anxiety), depression, anger and fatigue, had a strong, positive, linear relationship with the level of a male sex hormone, testosterone, using the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) analysis. We also demonstrated that significantly lowest-level Gene Ontology groups in changes of gene expression in blood cells with erythrocyte removal were consistent with the adaptation of the psychophysical characteristics. Interestingly, we discovered a list of genes that were strongly related to significant phenotypes using phenotype and gene expression PCC analysis. Importantly, among the 70 genes that were identified, most were significantly related to mood disturbances, where 42 genes have been reported in the literature mining, suggesting that the other 28 genes were likely novel genes involved in the mood disturbance mechanism. Taken together, our association analysis provides a reliable method to uncover novel genes and mechanisms related to phenotypes, although further studies are needed.

KNOCKDOWN OF CASEIN KINASE 1e INHIBITS CELL PROLIFERATION AND INVASION OF COLORECTAL CANCER CELLS VIA INHIBITION OF THE Wnt/β-CATENIN SIGNALING

Deregulation of casein kinase 1 epsilon (CK1ε) is involved in the development of multiple pathological disorders such as cancer, however the function and molecular mechanism of CK1εin cancer are still unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of CK1ε in human colorectal cancer (CRC). The expression of CK1ε was examined by immunohistochemical assay using a tissue microarray procedure. A loss-of-function experiment was performed to observe the effects of lentivirus-mediated CK1ε shRNA (Lv-shCK1ε) on cell proliferation and invasive potential by MTT and Transwell assays in CRC cell line (SW480). As a result, we found that the expression of CK1ε protein was significantly increased in CRC tissues compared with that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCT) (68.9% vs 42.2%, P=0.017) and was correlated with the Duke’s staging and depth of invasion in CRC patients (P=0.012; P=0.015). Knockdown of CK1ε reduced cell proliferation and invasion of CRC cells followed by the downregulation of wnt3α, β-catenin, PCNA and MMP-9. In conclusion, our findings show that high expression of CK1ε is positively associated with the Duke’s staging and depth of invasion in CRC patients, and knockdown of CK1ε suppresses the growth and invasion of CRC cells through inhibition of the wnt/β-catenin signaling, suggesting that CK1ε may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.

Chemiluminescent Probes for Imaging H2S in Living Animals

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an endogenous mediator of human health and disease, but precise measurement in living cells and animals remains a considerable challenge. We report the total chemical synthesis and characterization of three 1,2-dioxetane chemiluminescent reaction-based H2S probes, CHS-1, CHS-2, and CHS-3. Upon treatment with H2S at physiological pH, these probes display instantaneous light emission that is sustained for over an hour with high selectivity against other reactive sulphur, oxygen, and nitrogen species. Analysis of the phenol/phenolate equilibrium and atomic charges has provided a generally applicable predictive model to design improved chemiluminescent probes. The utility of these chemiluminescent reagents was demonstrated by applying CHS-3 to detect cellularly generated H2S using a multi-well plate reader and to image H2S in living mice using CCD camera technology.

Association between loop diuretic use and fracture risk

SUMMARY

Loop diuretic use has been shown to be associated with an increased fracture risk, but the findings have been inconsistent. The present meta-analysis suggests that loop diuretics show a significant positive association with the overall risk of total fractures and, specifically, hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Despite being widely used, there is limited, prospective randomized trial evidence regarding the skeletal effects of loop diuretics. Previous observational studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the association between loop diuretic use and the risk of fractures.

METHODS

This meta-analysis of observational studies assessed the association between loop diuretic use and the risk of fractures. The PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID databases were searched for prospective cohort and case-control studies. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived using random-effects models throughout the analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (4 cohort studies and 9 case-control studies) were included, involving 842,644 participants and 108,247 fracture cases. Compared with non-users, people who had taken loop diuretics had an approximately 15% higher risk of total fractures (95% CI, 1.04-1.26; p<0.01), with high heterogeneity between studies (I2=80.5%; p<0.01). The RR was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.08-1.19) for hip fractures and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.93-1.05) for lower arm or wrist fractures. The RR was 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.11) in prospective cohort studies and 1.22 (95% CI, 1.00-1.44) in case-control studies. There was no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that loop diuretics show a significant positive association with the overall risk of total fractures and hip fractures.

Comparative study of phosphorylated histone H2AX expressions in the cervical cancer patients of pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γH2AX) is a predictive marker for neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients of cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sections were divided into three sets. Set 1 consisted of 40 pre-treatment biopsies. Post-treatment tissues includes 38 patients in set 2 and 34 patients in set 3 who received cisplatin concurrent docetaxel treatment for one or two cycles, respectively. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections were analyzed after antigen retrieval and fluorescence antibody labeling for γH2AX staining.

RESULTS

The expressions of γH2AX in cervical cancer tissues of post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy decreased to 22.94 ± 14.02% and 23.68 ± 13.55% (one and two cycles treatment, respectively) compared to preneoadjuvant chemotherapy (28.29 ± 15.67%), however there was no significant difference for γH2AX expression between pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients (F = 1.425, p = 0.245). There was no significant correlation between γH2AX expression and clinicopathologic parameters in patients of pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

As a predictive marker for neoadjuvant chemotherapy of cervical cancer, more extensive research regarding γH2AX expression should be explored.

Radar observations of the seasonal migration of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) in Southern China

The summer and autumn migrations of the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) were observed in Southern China with a millimetric scanning entomological radar and a searchlight trap supplemented with capture in field cages, field surveys, and dissections of females. Nilaparvata lugens took off at dusk and dawn in summer, but in autumn there was sometimes only a dusk take-off. The variation of the area density of the radar targets indicated that flight durations were about 9-10 h. In summer, planthopper-size targets generally flew below 1800 m above ground level (AGL), although some insects reached 2000 m AGL; in autumn, they flew lower, generally below 1100 m although some insects reached 1700 m AGL. Multiple layer concentrations were seen every night in both summer and autumn. The depths of these layers in autumn were less than in summer. Nilaparvata lugens flew in strong winds; wind shear may be the main factor causing them to accumulate and form dense layers at certain heights. Nilaparvata lugens emigrating in summer from the vicinity of the radar site in the Northeastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and carried by the prevailing southwesterly wind, would have travelled northeastwards and reached Northern Hunan Province. In autumn, with the prevailing northeasterly wind, emigrants would have reached overwintering areas (south of 21°N).

Inhibition of human positive cofactor 4 radiosensitizes human esophageal squmaous cell carcinoma cells by suppressing XLF-mediated nonhomologous end joining

Radiotherapy has the widest application to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Factors associated with DNA damage repair have been shown to function in cell radiosensitivity. Human positive cofactor 4 (PC4) has a role in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and is involved in DNA damage repair. However, the clinical significance and biological role of PC4 in cancer progression and cancer cellular responses to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remain largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential roles of PC4 in the radiosensitivity of ESCC. In this study, we showed that knockdown of PC4 substantially increased ESCC cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR) both in vitro and in vivo and enhanced radiation-induced apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe (MC). Importantly, we demonstrated that silencing of PC4 suppressed NHEJ by downregulating the expression of XLF in ESCC cells, whereas reconstituting the expression of XLF protein in the PC4-knockdown ESCC cells restored NHEJ activity and radioresistance. Moreover, high expression of PC4 positively correlated with ESCC resistance to CRT and was an independent predictor for short disease-specific survival of ESCC patients in both of our cohorts. These findings suggest that PC4 protects ESCC cells from IR-induced death by enhancing the NHEJ-promoting activity of XLF and could be used as a novel radiosensitivity predictor and a promising therapeutic target for ESCCs.

Osteoimmunology in orthodontic tooth movement

The skeletal and immune systems share a multitude of regulatory molecules, including cytokines, receptors, signaling molecules, and signaling transducers, thereby mutually influencing each other. In recent years, several novel insights have been attained that have enhanced our current understanding of the detailed mechanisms of osteoimmunology. In orthodontic tooth movement, immune responses mediated by periodontal tissue under mechanical force induce the generation of inflammatory responses with consequent alveolar bone resorption, and many regulators are involved in this process. In this review, we take a closer look at the cellular/molecular mechanisms and signaling involved in osteoimmunology and at relevant research progress in the context of the field of orthodontic tooth movement.

Hepatocyte growth factor upregulates nexilin gene expression in cardiomyocytes via JNK pathway

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a protective factor in myocardial injury, but its mechanisms of action have not yet been fully elucidated. Nexilin, which locates specifically to the Z-disc, is a novel Z-disc protein that enables the Z-discs to persistently withstand the extreme mechanical forces generated during muscle contraction. Therefore, we investigated the role of HGF in modulating nexilin expression in hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-treated cardiomyocytes. We cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes and treated them with HGF. The mRNA and protein levels of nexilin were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. H/R treatment decreased nexilin mRNA expression and nexilin protein levels in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, treatment with HGF upregulated nexilin expression and the JNK inhibitor SP600125 partly inhibited HGF-induced nexilin upregulation. In conclusion, our results suggest that ischemia-reperfusion injury may downregulate nexilin expression in cardiomyocytes, and HGF may exert its protective role during myocardial ischemic injury through upregulation of nexilin expression in cardiomyocytes.

Effects of APOE ε4, age, and HIV on glial metabolites and cognitive deficits

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the combined effects of HIV and APOE ε4 allele(s) on glial metabolite levels, and on known cognitive deficits associated with either condition, across the ages.

METHODS

One hundred seventy-seven participants, primarily of white and mixed race (97 seronegative subjects: aged 44.7 ± 1.3 years, 85 [87.6%] men, 28 [28.9%] APOE ε4+; 80 HIV+ subjects: aged 47.3 ± 1.1 years, 73 [91.3%] men, 23 [28.8%] APOE ε4+), were assessed cross-sectionally for metabolite concentrations using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 4 brain regions and for neuropsychological performance.

RESULTS

Frontal white matter myo-inositol was elevated in subjects with HIV across the age span but showed age-dependent increase in seronegative subjects, especially in APOE ε4+ carriers. In contrast, only seronegative APOE ε4+ subjects showed elevated myo-inositol in parietal cortex. All APOE ε4+ subjects had lower total creatine in basal ganglia. While all HIV subjects showed greater cognitive deficits, HIV+ APOE ε4+ subjects had the poorest executive function, fluency memory, and attention/working memory. Higher myo-inositol levels were associated with poorer fine motor function across all subjects, slower speed of information processing in APOE ε4+ subjects, and worse fluency in HIV+ APOE ε4+ subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

In frontal white matter of subjects with HIV, the persistent elevation and lack of normal age-dependent increase in myo-inositol suggest that persistent glial activation attenuated the typical antagonistic pleiotropic effects of APOE ε4 on neuroinflammation. APOE ε4 negatively affects energy metabolism in brain regions rich in dopaminergic synapses. The combined effects of HIV infection and APOE ε4 may lead to greater cognitive deficits, especially in those with greater neuroinflammation. APOE ε4 allele(s) may be a useful genetic marker to identify white and mixed-race HIV subjects at risk for cognitive decline.

Resveratrol reduces morphine tolerance by inhibiting microglial activation via AMPK signalling

BACKGROUND

Evidence has accumulated indicating that microglia within the spinal cord play a critical role in morphine tolerance. The present study investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator resveratrol and AICAR to inhibit microglial activation and to limit the decrease in antinociceptive effects of morphine.

METHODS

The microglial cell line BV-2 was used. Cytokine expression was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell signalling was assayed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The antinociception and morphine tolerance were assessed in CD-1 mice using the hot plate and tail-flick tests.

RESULTS

(1) Morphine induces robust BV-2 cell activation, as evidenced by increased p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, nuclear factor-κB translocation and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines [including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α], inducible nitric oxide synthase and Toll-like receptor-4, and these changes are inhibited by resveratrol. (2) Resveratrol activates AMPK to suppress morphine-induced BV-2 cell activation. AICAR, another AMPK activator, can mimic the effects of resveratrol, whereas compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, reverses the inhibitory effects of resveratrol treatment. (3) Systemic or spinal administration of resveratrol with morphine significantly blocks microglial activation in the spinal cord and then attenuates the development of acute and chronic morphine tolerance in both male and female mice.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol directly suppresses morphine-induced microglial activation through activating AMPK, resulting in significant attenuation of morphine antinociceptive tolerance.

Structure-activity relationship of the pro- and anticoagulant effects of Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan

Fucoidan is a highly complex sulfated polysaccharide commonly extracted from brown seaweed. In addition to their many biological activities, fucoidans have recently been demonstrated to inhibit or increase coagulation at different concentration ranges. Their structural features, i.e. molecular weight (Mw), Mw distribution, degree of sulfation, monosaccharide composition, and different linkages, are known to affect these activities. Therefore, structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of fucoidan is crucial for its potential use as a procoagulant. In this study, Fucus vesiculosus (F.v.) fucoidan was fractionated by charge and size as well as over- and desulfated to different degrees to yield preparations with various structural properties. The fractions' pro- and anticoagulant activities were assessed by calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) and activated partial thromboplastin time(aPTT) assays. Binding to and inhibition of the anticoagulant protein tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and the ability to activate coagulation via the contact pathway were also investigated. This paper discusses the impact of charge density, size, and sugar composition on fucoidan's pro- and anticoagulant activities. Fucoidan requires a minimal charge density of 0.5 sulfates per sugar unit and a size of 70 sugar units to demonstrate desired procoagulant activities for improvement of haemostasis in factor VIII/factor IX-deficient plasma.

Brain regional vulnerability to anaesthesia-induced neuroapoptosis shifts with age at exposure and extends into adulthood for some regions

BACKGROUND

General anaesthesia facilitates surgical operations and painful interventions in millions of patients every year. Recent observations of anaesthetic-induced neuronal cell death in newborn animals have raised substantial concerns for young children undergoing anaesthesia. However, it remains unclear why some brain regions are more affected than others, why certain neurones are eliminated while neighbouring cells are seemingly unaffected, and what renders the developing brain exquisitely vulnerable, while the adult brain apparently remains resistant to the phenomenon.

METHODS

Neonatal (P7), juvenile (P21), and young adult mice (P49) were anaesthetized with 1.5% isoflurane. At the conclusion of anaesthesia, activated cleaved caspase 3 (AC3), a marker of apoptotic cell death, was quantified in the neocortex (RSA), caudoputamen (CPu), hippocampal CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG), cerebellum (Cb), and olfactory bulb (GrO) and compared with that found in unanaesthetized littermates.

RESULTS

After anaesthetic exposure, increased AC3 was detected in neonatal mice in RSA (11-fold, compared with controls), CPu (10-fold), CA1 (three-fold), Cb (four-fold), and GrO (four-fold). Surprisingly, AC3 continued to be elevated in the DG and GrO of juvenile (15- and 12-fold, respectively) and young adult mice (two- and four-fold, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirms the findings of previous studies showing peak vulnerability to anaesthesia-induced neuronal cell death in the newborn forebrain. It also shows sustained susceptibility into adulthood in areas of continued neurogenesis, substantially expanding the previously observed age of vulnerability. The differential windows of vulnerability among brain regions, which closely follow regional peaks in neurogenesis, may explain the heightened vulnerability of the developing brain because of its increased number of immature neurones.

Molecular authentication of multi-species honeysuckle tablets

Authenticating multi-species original raw materials in commercial formulations is difficult. Jin Yin Hua and Shan Yin Hua, both classified as raw honeysuckle materials in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, are used in various medicines. Differentiating one variety from another is difficult based on chemical analysis. We developed molecular authentication of multi-species original honeysuckle in 3 brands of commercial tablets using allele-specific PCR. All 3 tablets contained both Jin Yin Hua and Shan Yin Hua. We also built a PCR-enzyme digestion method and enzymatic mutation detection in the PCR fragments of psbA-trnH and trnL-trnF, and the restriction endonucleases HinfI and NlaIV, respectively. The PCR-enzyme digestion method produced the same result as the allele-specific PCR. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses show that the tablets YXC and YQJ contained Lonicera japonica and L. macranthoides as original raw materials, and LYG contained L. japonica, L. hypoglauca, and L. macranthoides.

Guided bone regeneration using acellular bovine pericardium in a rabbit mandibular model: in-vitro and in-vivo studies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of acellular bovine pericardium (BP) for guided bone regeneration (GBR) in vitro and in vivo. The success of GBR relies on the fact that various cellular components possess different migration rates into the defect site and that a barrier membrane plays a significant role in these processes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

BP membrane was isolated and decellularized using an enzymatic method. The microarchitecture, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity and cell chemotaxis properties of the acellular BP were evaluated in vitro, and the in-vivo efficacy of the acellular BP was also investigated in a rabbit mandibular model.

RESULTS

The acellular BP membrane possessed an interconnected fibrous structure. Glutaraldehyde (GA) treatment was efficient for enhancement of the mechanical properties of the acellular BP bur and resulted in negligible cytotoxicity. After 16 wk, standardized osseous defects created in the rabbit mandible, and covered with acellular BP, were associated with an enhanced deposition of mineralized tissue when compared with defects left to spontaneous healing.

CONCLUSION

GA-treated acellular BP is promising as a barrier membrane for GBR for further in-vivo and clinical studies.