[Study of the laryngeal mask airway for airway management in childrenwith acute severe tracheobronchial foreign body]

Objective:To explore the application of laryngeal mask airway in the management of respiratory tract after acute and severe tracheal foreign body removal in children, and to provide a safe and effective treatment for clinical treatment.Method:Seventy cases of children with acute severe tracheal or bronchial foreign body requiring mechanical ventilation transition were randomized to receive, one group was using laryngeal mask airway for airway management after the foreign body was extracted and the bronchoscope was pulled out. Another group was using tracheal intubation. Both groups were received the same general anesthesia induction and maintenance. The blood pressure before induction, before and after insertion of LMA (TT), before and after extubation of LMA(TT) were monitored and recorded. Heart rate, tidal volume,respiratory rate,pulse oxygen saturation, and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure were recorded at the same time in both groups. Airway complications during the recovering between two groups were compared.Result:HR, BP have no significant difference in LMA group before and after implantation LMA (P> 0.05). HR and BP were increased significantly after intubation (P< 0.05) in TT group; Airway pressure, SpO₂ and PET CO₂ exhibited no significant difference between two groups P> 0.05); LMA group has less airway complications than TT group during the recovering.Conclusion:Application of LMA for anesthetic airway management after tracheobronchial foreign body was extracted in children made both less effect on respiratory and circulatory system the regular using tracheal intubation and less damage to the respiratory tract. In addition,the recovery time in LMA group is much shorter than that of TT group.

Increased hydrogen peroxide impairs angiotensin II contractions of afferent arterioles in mice after renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury

AIM

Renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) increases angiotensin II (Ang II) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are potent modulators of vascular function. However, the roles of individual ROS and their interaction with Ang II are not clear. Here we tested the hypothesis that IRI modulates renal afferent arteriolar responses to Ang II via increasing superoxide (O2-) or hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ).

METHODS

Renal afferent arterioles were isolated and perfused from C57BL/6 mice 24 h after IRI or sham surgery. Responses to Ang II or noradrenaline were assessed by measuring arteriolar diameter. Production of H2 O2 and O2- was assessed in afferent arterioles and renal cortex. Activity of SOD and catalase, and mRNA expressions of Ang II receptors were assessed in pre-glomerular arterioles and renal cortex.

RESULTS

Afferent arterioles from mice after IRI had a reduced maximal contraction to Ang II (-27±2 vs. -42±1%, P < 0.001), but retained a normal contraction to noradrenaline. Arterioles after IRI had a 38% increase in H2 O2 (P < 0.001) and a 45% decrease in catalase activity (P < 0.01). Contractions were reduced in normal arterioles after incubation with H2 O2 (-22±2 vs. -42±1%, P < 0.05) similar to the effects of IRI. However, the impaired contractions were normalized by incubation with PEG catalase despite a reduced AT1 R expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal IRI in mice selectively impairs afferent arteriolar responses to Ang II because of H2 O2 accumulation that is caused by a reduced catalase activity. This could serve to buffer the effect of Ang II after IRI and may be a protective mechanism.

[The effects of pressure controlled ventilation for tracheobronchial foreign body removal in children]

Objective:To evaluate the effects of pressure controlled ventilation for tracheobronchial foreign body removal in children.Method: Ninety ASAⅡor Ⅲ children,aged 10 months to 3 yr,weighing 8-16 kg undergoing removal of airway foreign body were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=30 each):groupⅠpressure controlled ventilation(P)，group Ⅱ high-frequency jet ventilation(H),and group Ⅲ, reserve spontaneously breathings.Arterial blood gas analysis of Pre-operation and the end of operation,the occurrence of hypoxia during operation,the duration of operation,anesthesia emergence time and perioperative side effects were recorded. Result:The arterial blood gas analysis(PaO₂,PaCO₂,SaO₂)and SPO₂of Pre-operation in group P and H had no significant difference. The PaO₂ of the end of operations was significantly higher,and PaCO₂ was lower in group H. The occurrence of hypoxia during operation, the duration of operation,anesthesia emergence time and perioperative side effects in two group had no significant difference.Conclusion:The effects of pressure controlled ventilation and high-frequency jet ventilation for tracheobronchial foreign body removal in children were nearly the same,and pressure controlled ventilation can be commonly used in clinic.

Percutaneous laser ablation for treatment of locally recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma <15 mm

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) for recurrent papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) <15 mm in the neck.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in 21 patients with 27 recurrent PTC lesions who underwent PLA. The extent of ablation was assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) after PLA. Measurement of the volume of tumour and serum thyroglobulin, and clinical evaluation were performed at 7 days, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and every 6 months thereafter.

RESULTS

The procedure was well tolerated. Of 21 patients, 18 were successfully treated in a single session. Incomplete ablation was detected by CEUS in three patients, and a second ablation was performed. The mean largest diameter and the average baseline volume were reduced from 7.5±2.8 mm and 105.4±114 mm³ to 0.4±1 mm and 0.8±2.4 mm³ at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided PLA is effective for the treatment of recurrent PTCs with a comparable success rate to radio-iodine therapy, and it may become a primary choice of treatment for recurrent PTCs in selected patients who are ineligible for surgery and/or prefer not to have further surgery.

A paper-supported graphene-ionic liquid array for e-nose application

A flexible graphene sensor array has been fabricated by in situ reduction of a graphene oxide (GO) array patterned on a paper chip. To achieve cross-reactive sensing and gas discrimination ability, the surface of each reduced GO (rGO) spot was modified with different types of ionic liquids (ILs), which could significantly alter the semiconductor properties and consequently the gas sensing behaviour of the paper-supported rGO sensor.

Rapid Prescreening for Antiviral Agents against HIV-1 Based on Their Inhibitory Activity in Site-Directed Immunoassays. Approaches Applicable to Epidemic HIV-1 Strains

Several compounds, including the triphenylmethane derivative aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) and porphyrins, were reported to inhibit the binding of anti-V3 loop-specific antibodies to the V3 loop of gp120 from HIV-1 III-B and to have antiviral activity, probably due to interference with the biological function of the V3 loop. However, these compounds can be applied to antiviral chemotherapy only if they interact with envelope glycoproteins from a multitude of epidemic HIV-1 strains and inhibit their replication. Since recombinant envelope glycoproteins, synthetic peptides and anti-V3 monoclonal antibodies may not be available for these HIV-1 strains, alternative assays are needed to prescreen different compounds for potential antiviral activity against these viruses. Results presented here indicate that: (1) virions of HIV-1 MN, most closely related to primary HIV-1 isolates from European and North American countries, and human anti-HIV-1 antibodies, can also be used for rapid prescreening of antiviral agents, (2) compounds with antiviral activity against HIV-1 MN, discerned by site-directed immunoassays, inhibited the reaction of human anti-HIV-1 with a V3 loop consensus peptide corresponding to European/North American HIV-1 isolates, and (3) meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphine (MTCPP), one of the most potent inhibitors of HIV-1 replication selected on the basis of site-directed immunoassays, preferentially attached to the V3 loop of gp120.

Tin Protoporphyrin IX Used in Control of Heme Metabolism in Humans Effectively Inhibits HIV-1 Infection

Recent observations indicated that several porphyrins bound to the V3 loop of the envelope glycoprotein gp120 of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and inhibited infection of cells by HIV-1. The tin derivative of protoporphyrin IX (Sn-PTP-IX) has already been used clinically in humans to suppress hyperbilirubinemia. It was therefore of interest to determine whether Sn-PTP-IX has anti-HIV-1 activity. It is demonstrated here that Sn-PTP-IX effectively inhibited infection by several HIV-1 isolates (HIB, MN, RF, SF-2 and two isolates resistant to azidothymidine). This was surprising, since earlier studies indicated that incorporation of other metals into porphyrins markedly decreased their antiviral activity. Sn-PTP-IX blocked the binding to gp120 of anti-V3-loop-specific antibodies and of monoclonal antibodies specific for the CD4 binding site on gp120. The latter effect appeared to be allosteric and was not observed with a deletion mutant of gp 120 lacking the V3 loop sequence. This suggests that Sn-PTP-IX binds to the V3 loop and distorts the native conformation of the HIV-1 envelope, thereby preventing infection. These results merit the consideration of Sn-PTP-IX as a prophylactic and chemotherapeutic agent against HIV-1.

Rapid Prescreening for Antiviral Agents against HIV-1 Based on Their Inhibitory Activity in Site-Directed Immunoassays. I. The V3 Loop of gp 120 as Target

The anionic triphenylmethane derivative aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) was reported to inhibit the replication and cytopathogenicity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This antiviral effect, ascribed to the inhibitory activity of ATA on the virus reverse transcriptase, was subsequently also explained by binding of ATA to the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 and/or to the CD4 receptor for the virus. Results presented here show: (1) the effectiveness of ATA as a potential antiviral drug by demonstrating that HIV-1 replication in vitro can be completely aborted in the presence of ATA as measured by the polymerase chain reaction; (2) that ATA inhibited the reaction between gp120 and antibodies specific for the V3 hypervariable loop of gp120; (3) that additional compounds with anti-HIV-1 activity can be rapidly identified based on their inhibitory effects measured by radioimmunoassays and/or enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assays; and (4) that ATA also bound to synthetic peptides representing V3 loops of several HIV-1 isolates, suggesting the possibility that selected chemicals would interfere with the biological function of V3 loops of most HIV-1 isolates and would be effective for chemotherapy, and possibly for prophylaxis, of HIV-1 infections.

Rapid Prescreening for Antiviral Agents against HIV-1 Based on Their Inhibitory Activity in Site-Directed Immunoassays. II. Porphyrins Reacting with the V3 Loop of gp120

Recent observations that haernin inhibited the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and the reaction between the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 and antibodies specific for the V3 hypervariable loop of this glycoprotein were an enticement to determine whether or not additional porphyrins had similar activities. Several porphyrin derivatives, particularly meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphine, were more potent inhibitors of HIV-1 replication than haernin. They blocked the binding of homologous antibodies to synthetic peptides corresponding to V3 hypervariable loops of 21 distinct HIV-1 isolates, and inhibited the replication in lymphocytic (MT-2) and promonocyte (U937) cell lines of several HIV-1 isolates, tested (IIIB, RF, SF-2, and MN). Compounds with inhibitory activity had a tetrapyrrole ring and, carboxyl or sulphonate groups. However, antiviral activity depended on minor structural difference's between distinct derivatives endowed with these two features. Metalloporphyrins had a drastically reduced antiviral activity in comparison with the corresponding porphyrins. An understanding of the relationship between the structure of porphyrins and their antiviral effects, perceptible from the results presented, is expected to lead to the design of additional derivatives with more potent antiviral activity and to unravelling of molecular details involved in the association between the V3 loop of gp120 and antiviral compounds targeted to this loop.

3-Hydroxyphthaloyl-β-Lactoglobulin. II. Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Activity in in Vitro Environments Relevant to Prevention of Sexual Transmission of the Virus

It is anticipated that the rate of sexual transmission of viruses could be substantially decreased by the use of topical chemical barrier methods. Chemical modification of bovine (β-lactoglobulin (β-LG), the major protein of whey, led to the generation of a potent inhibitor (designated 3HP-β-LG) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection which was also active against herpesviruses. Compounds intended for topical application to prevent sexual transmission of viruses need to maintain their antiviral activity at pH <<7, corresponding to an acidic vaginal environment, and in the presence of seminal fluid. Results presented here show that the binding of 3HP-β-LG to the CD4 receptor for HIV, involved in the anti-HIV-1 activity of this compound, decreases with decreasing pH. The presence of seminal fluid also decreased the binding of 3HP-β-LG to CD4 and diminished the inhibitory effect of the compound on CD4-gp120 binding. 3HP-β-LG was shown to bind Zn++, and the inhibitory effect of seminal fluid could be substantially diminished by chelating Zn++ with ethylenediaminetetraacetate. Saliva had no effect on 3HP-β-LG binding to CD4 or on its interference with gp120-CD4 binding. The decreased 3HP-β-LG-CD4 binding and the concomitant reduction of gp120-CD4 binding inhibition by 3HP-β-LG at low pH and in the presence of seminal fluid could be compensated for by an increase of the 3HP-β-LG concentration and by adding Zn++ chelators to 3HP-β-LG. These results provide a background for the design of 3HP-β-LG formulations for topical use.

3-Hydroxyphthaloyl-β-Lactoglobulin. I. Optimization of Production and Comparison with other Compounds Considered for Chemoprophylaxis of Mucosally Transmitted Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

Modification of the major bovine whey protein, β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) by 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride (3HP) leads to the generation of a potent inhibitor of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) types 1 and 2, designated 3HP-β-LG. 3HP-β-LG also has antiviral activity against herpesviruses, albeit at concentrations exceeding those required for inhibition of HIV-1 infection. The topical application of 3HP-β-LG to decrease the rate of sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted viruses worldwide is being considered. Results presented here: (i) define the conditions for chemical modification of β-LG by 3HP, resulting in 3HP-β-LG with optimum anti-HIV-1 activity; (ii) show that β-LG, prior to chemical modification, or 3HP-β-LG can be exposed to the elevated temperatures used to pasteurize milk without adversely affecting anti-HIV-1 activity; (iii) provide evidence that 3HP-β-LG is a more potent anti-HIV-1 compound than sulphated polysaccharides, other candidate compounds considered as prophylactic agents to prevent sexual transmission of HIV-1; and (iv) confirm that the primary target for 3HP-β-LG is CD4, although binding to the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 was also observed and contributed to the antiviral activity of 3HP-β-LG.

Experimental capabilities of 0.4 PW, 1 shot/min Scarlet laser facility for high energy density science

We report on the recently completed 400 TW upgrade to the Scarlet laser at The Ohio State University. Scarlet is a Ti:sapphire-based ultrashort pulse system that delivers >10  J in 30 fs pulses to a 2 μm full width at half-maximum focal spot, resulting in intensities exceeding 5×10²¹  W/cm². The laser fires at a repetition rate of once per minute and is equipped with a suite of on-demand and on-shot diagnostics detailed here, allowing for rapid collection of experimental statistics. As part of the upgrade, the entire laser system has been redesigned to facilitate consistent, characterized high intensity data collection at high repetition rates. The design and functionality of the laser and target chambers are described along with initial data from commissioning experimental shots.

Improved anti-leukemia activities of adoptively transferred T cells expressing bispecific T-cell engager in mice

Despite the impressive clinical efficacy of T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-Ts), the current applications of CAR-T cell therapy are limited by major treatment-related toxicity. Thus, safer yet effective alternative approaches must be developed. In this study, we compared CD19 bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE)-transferred T cells that had been transfected by RNA electroporation with CD19 CAR RNA-transferred T cells both in vitro and in an aggressive Nalm6 leukemia mouse model. BiTEs were secreted from the transferred T cells and enabled both the transferred and bystander T cells to specifically recognize CD19⁺ cell lines, with increased tumor killing ability, prolonged functional persistence, increased cytokine production and potent proliferation compared with the CAR-T cells. More interestingly, in comparison with CD3/CD28 bead-stimulated T cells, T cells that were expanded by a rapid T-cell expansion protocol (REP) showed enhanced anti-tumor activities for both CAR and BiTE RNA-electroporated T cells both in vitro and in a Nalm6 mouse model (P<0.01). Furthermore, the REP T cells with BiTE RNAs showed greater efficacy in the Nalm6 leukemia model compared with REP T cells with CAR RNA (P<0.05) and resulted in complete leukemia remission.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress eIF2α-ATF4 pathway-mediated cyclooxygenase-2 induction regulates cadmium-induced autophagy in kidney

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is nephrotoxic. Recent studies show that autophagy plays an essential role in Cd-induced kidney injury. However, the mechanisms of Cd-induced kidney injury accompanied by autophagy are still obscure. In the present study, we first confirmed that Cd induced kidney damage and dysfunction, along with autophagy, both in vivo and in vitro. Then, we observed that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the eIF2α-ATF4 pathway of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were induced by Cd in both kidney tissues and cultured cells. Further studies showed that inhibition of COX-2 with celecoxib or RNA interference (RNAi) inhibited the Cd-induced autophagy in kidney cells. In addition, blocking ER stress with 4-phenylbutyrate or RNAi partially counteracted COX-2 overexpression and autophagy induced by Cd, which suggested that ER stress was required for Cd-induced kidney autophagy. Significantly, our results showed that Cd activated ATF4 and induced its translocation to the nucleus. Knockdown of ATF4 inhibited Cd-induced COX-2 overexpression. While COX-2 overexpression is involved in renal dysfunction, there is no prior report on the role of COX-2 in autophagy regulation. The results of the current study suggest a novel molecular mechanism that the ER stress eIF2α-ATF4 pathway-mediated COX-2 overexpression contributes to Cd-induced kidney autophagy and injury. The present study implies that COX-2 may be a potential target for therapy against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.

Differential gene expression of two extreme honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies showing varroa tolerance and susceptibility

Varroa destructor, an ectoparasitic mite of honey bees (Apis mellifera), is the most serious pest threatening the apiculture industry. In our honey bee breeding programme, two honey bee colonies showing extreme phenotypes for varroa tolerance/resistance (S88) and susceptibility (G4) were identified by natural selection from a large gene pool over a 6-year period. To investigate potential defence mechanisms for honey bee tolerance to varroa infestation, we employed DNA microarray and real time quantitative (PCR) analyses to identify differentially expressed genes in the tolerant and susceptible colonies at pupa and adult stages. Our results showed that more differentially expressed genes were identified in the tolerant bees than in bees from the susceptible colony, indicating that the tolerant colony showed an increased genetic capacity to respond to varroa mite infestation. In both colonies, there were more differentially expressed genes identified at the pupa stage than at the adult stage, indicating that pupa bees are more responsive to varroa infestation than adult bees. Genes showing differential expression in the colony phenotypes were categorized into several groups based on their molecular functions, such as olfactory signalling, detoxification processes, exoskeleton formation, protein degradation and long-chain fatty acid metabolism, suggesting that these biological processes play roles in conferring varroa tolerance to naturally selected colonies. Identification of differentially expressed genes between the two colony phenotypes provides potential molecular markers for selecting and breeding varroa-tolerant honey bees.