[Establishment and preliminary evaluation of recombinase aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay for specific nucleic acid detection of Clonorchis sinensis]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a recombinase aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay for detection of Clonorchis sinensis.

METHODS

The 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) sequence of C. sinensis was used as the target sequence, and specific primers and probes were designed, synthesized and screened to establish a rapid fluorescent RAA assay for the detection of C. sinensis. Then, the sensitivity of the fluorescent RAA assay was evaluated using the recombinant plasmids containing various copy numbers of DNA fragments and C. sinensis genomic DNA at various concentrations, and the specificity of the fluorescent RAA as say was evaluated using the genomic DNA of Ascaris lumbricoides, Echinococcus granulosus, Schistosoma japonicum, Ancylostoma duodenale and S. mansoni as templates. DNA samples were extracted from the feces containing C. sinensis eggs and freshwater fish containing metacercaria for the fluorescent RAA assay, and the performance for detection of C. sinensis-infected samples was preliminarily assessed in the field.

RESULTS

A fluorescent RAA assay for detection of C. sinensis was successfully established, which was feasible for specific amplification of C. sinensis genomic DNA at 39 °C within 20 min. The lowest detection limit was 10 copies/μL if the recombinant plasmid containing various copy numbers of DNA fragments was used as a template, and the lowest detection limit was 3 pg/μL if the C. sinensis genomic DNA at various concentrations served as a template. All detections were negative if the genomic DNA of A. lumbricoides, E. granulosus, S. japonicum, A. duodenale, and S. mansoni was used as templates. In addition, the fluorescent RAA assay showed a high performance for the detection of C. sinensis-infected samples in the field, which successfully detected C. sinensis-infected human and rat fecal samples and Pseudorasbora parva samples.

CONCLUSIONS

A fluorescent RAA assay is successfully established, which is simple, rapid, sensitivity and specific for detection of C. sinensis.

VEGFR2 and VEGF-C Suppresses the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Via YAP in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND

Whereas retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are known to secrete VEGF-A and VEGFR2, the functions of the autocrine VEGF signaling remain unclear. Meanwhile, anti-VEGF therapies have been applied routinely to treat ocular vascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the functions of the VEGF signaling in RPE cells and evaluate the consequences of its interruption.

METHODS

The genes involved in the VEGF and Hippo signal pathways were knocked down with siRNAs in both ARPE-19 cell line and human primary RPE cells via transient transfection whereas overexpression of VEGFR2 was mediated via adenovirus transduction. Expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and the downstream genes of YAP were determined by real-time PCR and Western Blot analysis. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to determine gene expression in tissue and mouse samples.

RESULTS

Knockdown of VEGFR2 results in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of VEGFR2 suppresses TGF β-mediated EMT in RPE cells. Loss of VEGF-C rather than VEGF-A induces EMT. Mechanistically, the VEGFR2 ablation-induced EMT in RPE cells is mediated by activation of YAP, an effector of the Hippo pathway. Finally, the immunohistochemical analysis of VEGFR2 and YAP in human proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) membranes indicates a tendency of an inverse correlation between VEGFR2-positive and YAP-positive cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results disclose unexpected novel roles of VEGFR2 and VEGF-C in the process of EMT of RPE cells and in the Hippo pathway. The data shown here demonstrated that VEGFR2 and VEGF-C are important to maintain the normal physiological state of RPE cells.

Characteristics associated with human papillomavirus vaccination initiation and completion among young adults

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been recommended for young adults aged 18-26 years.

METHODS

Data from the 2016 and 2017 National Health Interview Survey were pooled.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HPV vaccination initiation (≥1 dose) was 32.54% in 2016 and 37.92% in 2017, and the prevalence of HPV vaccination completion (≥3 doses) was 17.05% in 2016 and 19.38% in 2017 among young adults aged 18-26 years. Being female sex (odds ratio: 4.74) was the leading indicator for receiving the HPV vaccine, followed by receipt of other recommended vaccines (pneumococcal, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A), begin born in the United States, being gay/lesbian, having a greater number of physician visits, being younger, not being married, living in the Northeast, ever having had a pap smear, higher education, being not Hispanic ethnicity, and having more physical activity. Meanwhile, being female sex (odds ratio: 7.23) was the leading indicator for completing the HPV vaccination, followed by receipt of other recommended vaccines (pneumococcal, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A), having a greater number of physician visits, being younger, being born in the United States, being gay/lesbian, living in the Northeast, and current drinking.

CONCLUSIONS

HPV vaccination coverage remains low among young adults, and HPV vaccine coverage was associated with a number of characteristics.

Characteristics associated with hepatitis A vaccination initiation and completion among adults traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine is recommended for adults traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity.

METHODS

The data from the 2016 and 2017 National Health Interview Survey were pooled in this analysis, and the weighted logistic regression model was adopted.

RESULTS

Characteristics independently associated with HepA vaccination initiation (≥1 dose) (in descending order by odds ratio) include age, receipt of pneumococcal and influenza vaccine, education, sexual orientation, region, number of physician visits in the past 12 months, physical activity, marital status, computer use, ratio of family income to the poverty threshold, Hispanic ethnicity, and class of worker. Characteristics independently associated with HepA vaccination completion (≥2 doses) (in descending order by odds ratio) include age, receipt of pneumococcal and influenza vaccine, sexual orientation, education, region, marital status, number of physician visits in the past 12 months, ratio of family income to the poverty threshold, physical activity, Hispanic ethnicity, and computer use.

CONCLUSIONS

HepA vaccination initiation and completion was associated with a number of characteristics, which can be used to develop strategies to increase HepA vaccination coverage among adults traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity.

Characteristics associated with hepatitis B vaccination initiation and completion among adults traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity

BACKGROUND

The hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine is recommended for adults traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity.

METHODS

Data from the 2016 and 2017 National Health Interview Surveys were pooled.

RESULTS

The weighted prevalence of HepB vaccination initiation (≥1 dose) was 37.67% in 2016 (weighted number: 30,581,813/81,192,803) and 40.20% in 2017 (weighted number: 34,509,993/85,849,427). The weighted prevalence of HepB vaccination completion (≥3 doses) was 29.97% in 2016 (weighted number: 24,331,218/81,192,803) and 31.78% in 2017 (weighted number: 27,282,536/ 85,849,427). Characteristics independently associated with HepB vaccination initiation (in descending order by odds ratio) included age, receipt of influenza vaccine, education, ever having lived with someone with hepatitis, class of worker, number of physician visits in the past 12 months, ratio of family income to the poverty threshold, region, sexual orientation, gender, heath insurance, computer use, physical activity, and Hispanic ethnicity. Similar results were found in the analysis for HepB vaccination completion, except that subjects born in the United States showed a higher likelihood of HepB vaccination completion.

CONCLUSIONS

HepB vaccination initiation and completion were associated with a number of characteristics that can be utilized to develop strategies to increase HepB vaccination coverage among adults traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity.

ROC study and SUV threshold using quantitative multi-modal SPECT for bone imaging

Background

We investigated the clinical performance of a quantitative multi-modal SPECT/CT reconstruction platform for yielding radioactivity concentrations of bone imaging with ^99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) or ^99mTc-dicarboxypropane diphosphonate (DPD). The novel reconstruction incorporates CT-derived tissue information while preserving the delineation of tissue boundaries. We assessed image-based reader concordance and confidence, and determined lesion classification and SUV thresholds from ROC analysis.

Methods

Seventy-two cancer patients were scanned at three US and two German clinical sites, each contributing two experienced board-certified nuclear medicine physicians as readers. We compared four variants of the reconstructed data resulting from the Flash3D (F3D) and the xSPECT Bone™ (xB) iterative reconstruction methods and presented images to the readers with and without a fused CT, resulting in four combinations. We used an all-or-none approach for inclusion, compiling results only when a reader completed all reads in a subset. After the final read, we conducted a “surrogate truth” reading, presenting all data to each reader. For any remaining discordant lesions, we conducted a consensus read. We next undertook ROC analysis to determine SUV thresholds for differentiating benign and lesional uptake.

Results

On a five-point rating scale of image quality, xB was deemed better by almost two points in resolution and one point better in overall acceptance compared to F3D. The absolute agreement of the rendered decision between the nine readers was significantly higher with CT information either inside the reconstruction (xB, xBCT) or simply through image fusion (F3DCT): 0.70 (xBCT), 0.67 (F3DCT), 0.64 (xB), and 0.46 (F3D). The confidence level to characterize the lesion was significantly higher (3.03x w/o CT, 1.32x w/CT) for xB than for F3D. There was high correlation between xB and F3D scores for lesion detection and classification, but lesion detection confidence was 41% higher w/o CT, and 21% higher w/CT for xB compared to F3D. Without CT, xB had 6.6% higher sensitivity, 7.1% higher specificity, and 6.9% greater AUC compared to F3D, and similarly with CT-fusion. The overall SUV-criterion (SUV_c) of xB (12) exceeded that for xSPECT Quant™ (xQ; 9), an approach not using the tissue delineation of xB. SUV critical numbers depended on lesion volume and location. For non-joint lesions > 6 ml, the AUC for xQ and xB was 94%, with SUV_c > 9.28 (xQ) or > 9.68 (xB); for non-joint lesions ≤ 6 ml, AUCs were 81% (xQ) and 88% (xB), and SUV_c > 8.2 (xQ) or > 9.1 (xB). For joint lesions, the AUC was 80% (xQ) and 83% (xB), with SUV_c > 8.61 (xQ) or > 13.4 (xB).

Conclusion

The incorporation of high-resolution CT-based tissue delineation in SPECT reconstruction (xSPECT Bone) provides better resolution and detects smaller lesions (6 ml), and the CT component facilitates lesion characterization. Our approach increases confidence, concordance, and accuracy for readers with a wide range of experience. The xB method retained high reading accuracy, despite the unfamiliar image presentation, having greatest impact for smaller lesions, and better localization of foci relative to bone anatomy. The quantitative assessment yielded an SUV-threshold for sensitively distinguishing benign and malignant lesions. Ongoing efforts shall establish clinically usable protocols and SUV thresholds for decision-making based on quantitative SPECT.

A new approach for surgical treatment of chronic Monteggia fracture in children

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of a combined anterior and posterior approach for the surgical treatment of chronic Monteggia fractures in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 2010 to January 2018, 33 patients (27 boys and 6 girls) with chronic Monteggia fracture who were treated surgically by one surgeon of our department were retrospectively analyzed. In the surgical procedure, open reduction and excision of fibrous scar were performed with the anterior Henry's approach, while ulnar osteotomy was carried out with a posterior approach. In cases of unstable radial head reduction, a trans-capitellar K wire was applied. Repair or reconstruction of the annular ligament (ALR) was not undertaken.

RESULTS

The average follow-up of the patients was 33.8 months (range 8-87 months). At the last follow-up, Mayor Score and function of flexion and extension showed significant improvement compared to preoperative condition (p < 0.05). Two patients with palsy of the deep branch of the radial nerve with neurolysis recovered to normal over a 3-month follow-up. Redislocation occurred in two patients while subluxation occurred in one. One patient suffered a mild ischemic contracture but gradually recovered. Other severe complications, nerve injuries, heterotopic ossification, or synostosis, were not noted in the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

A combined anterior and posterior approach for surgery resulted in a satisfactory outcome due to the advantages of better exposure, more convenient intraoperative management, and facilitate for radial nerve exploration. Our study provided a new approach for the surgery of chronic Monteggia fractures.

[Application of optical coherence tomography angiography in evaluation of retinal microvascular changes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]

Objective: To assess the changes of retinal microvasculature in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCTA). Methods: Adult OSAS patients who visited Beijing Tongren Hospital from Jan 2016 to Apr 2016 and complained of snoring were included in this study. The patients' general information, results of polysomnography, and OCTA parameters were collected. Patients were divided into three groups according to their apnea hypopnea index (AHI) results: Mild-moderate group, AHI≤30/h; Severe group, 30/h<AHI≤60/h; Extremely severe group, AHI>60/h, and clinical characteristics, polysomnography and OCTA parameters among the three groups were compared. Results: A total of 27 patients were included in this study with 21 males (77.8%) and 6 females (22.2%). Mean age was (41.7±10.0) years, and the mean body mass index was (27.9±4.5) kg/m(2;) Neck circumference was 31-48 cm, mean (39.8±4.3) cm; 8 patients (29.6%) suffered from hypertension that could be controlled; Epworth sleepiness scale scored 1-18 points and mean (8.5±4.4) scores; AHI ranged between 5.5 and 92.1/h with a mean of (46.4±28.6)/h. There were 9 (33.3%), 7 (25.9%), and 11 (40.7%) patients in mild-moderate group, severe group, and extremely severe group, respectively. Compared with severe group, the optic nerve head and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) peripapillary vascular density in extremely severe group were significantly decreased (62.4%±1.9% vs 60.3%±1.9%, P=0.041; 64.7%±1.7% vs 62.2%±2.3%, P=0.036). Conclusions: OCTA has rapid, safe, and objective characteristics in assessing the retinal microvascular changes in OSAS patients. Retinal microvascular damage in patients with OSAS is associated with the disease severity. Reduction of retinal microvascular density in patients with OSAS may be associated with intermittent hypoxia.

[Joint effect of smoking and diabetes on stroke]

Objective: To explore the interaction of smoking and diabetes on stroke. Methods: In this case-control study, a face to face questionnaire survey was conducted. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between smoking or diabetes and stroke. The indicators of interaction were calculated according to the Bootstrap method in this study. Results: A total of 918 cases and 918 healthy controls, who participated in the chronic disease risk factor survey in Xuzhou in 2013, were included in this study. Logistic regression analysis found that cigarette smoking was associated with stroke (OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.33-2.00), and diabetes was also associated with stroke (OR=2.75, 95%CI: 2.03-3.73) after adjusting confounders. Compared with those without diabetes and smoking habit, the odds ratio of stroke in those with diabetes and smoking habits was 8.94 (95%CI:3.77-21.19). Diabetes and smoking combined interaction index was 3.65 (95%CI: 1.68-7.94), the relative excess risk was 5.77 (95%CI: 0.49-11.04), the attributable proportion was 0.65 (95%CI: 0.42-0.87). Conclusion: The results suggest that there are additive interactions between smoking and diabetes on stroke.

Rhoifolin ameliorates titanium particle-stimulated osteolysis and attenuates osteoclastogenesis via RANKL-induced NF-κB and MAPK pathways

Prosthesis loosening is a highly troublesome clinical problem following total joint arthroplasty. Wear-particle-induced osteoclastogenesis has been shown to be the primary cause of periprosthetic osteolysis that eventually leads to aseptic prosthesis loosening. Therefore, inhibiting osteoclastogenesis is a promising strategy to control periprosthetic osteolysis. The possible mechanism of action of rhoifolin on osteoclastogenesis and titanium particle-induced calvarial osteolysis was examined in this study. The in vitro study showed that rhoifolin could strongly suppress the receptor activators of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand-stimulated osteoclastogenesis, hydroxyapatite resorption, F-actin formation, and the gene expression of osteoclast-related genes. Western blot analysis illustrated that rhoifolin could attenuate the NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, and the expression of transcriptional factors nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) and c-Fos. Further studies indicated that rhoifolin inhibited p65 translocation to the nucleus and the activity of NFATc1 and NF-κB rhoifolin could decrease the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphate-positive osteoclasts and titanium particle-induced C57 mouse calvarial bone loss in vivo. In conclusion, our results suggest that rhoifolin can ameliorate the osteoclasts-stimulated osteolysis, and may be a potential agent for the treatment of prosthesis loosening.

Metallic Hyperdensity Sign on Noncontrast CT Immediately after Mechanical Thrombectomy Predicts Parenchymal Hemorrhage in Patients with Acute Large-Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Parenchymal hemorrhage is a severe complication following mechanical recanalization in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion. This study aimed to assess whether the metallic hyperdensity sign on noncontrast CT performed immediately after mechanical thrombectomy can predict parenchymal hemorrhage at 24 hours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion who underwent noncontrast CT immediately after mechanical thrombectomy between January 2014 and September 2018. The metallic hyperdensity sign was defined as a nonpetechial intracerebral hyperdense lesion (diameter, ≥1 cm) in the basal ganglia and a maximum CT density of >90 HU. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the metallic hyperdensity sign in predicting parenchymal hemorrhage were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients were included. The metallic hyperdensity sign was found in 59 (29.7%) patients, and 51 (25.7%) patients had parenchymal hemorrhage at 24 hours. Patients with the metallic hyperdensity sign are more likely to have parenchymal hemorrhage than those without it (76.3% versus 4.3%, P < .001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the metallic hyperdensity sign in predicting parenchymal hemorrhage were 88.2%, 90.5%, 76.3%, and 95.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of the metallic hyperdensity sign on noncontrast CT performed immediately after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large-vessel occlusion could predict the occurrence of parenchymal hemorrhage at 24 hours, which might be helpful in postinterventional management within 24 hours after mechanical thrombectomy.

Morphometry of the normal retinal periarteral capillary-free zone and changes during severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

To explore the normal morphological features of the retinal periarteral capillary free zone (paCFZ) and the changes associated with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

METHODS

A total of 148 normal subjects and 115 patients with severe NPDR were enrolled. Spectral-domain OCTA was used to acquire the image with a Cirrus prototype. Diameter and area of each paCFZ quadrant and adjacent large artery diameter was estimated.

RESULTS

In healthy subjects, the maximum width of paCFZ in the temporal quadrant (169.38 ± 19.26 μm) was smaller than the other three quadrants (all P <0.001). The ratio of maximum paCFZ width to artery caliber was much larger in the nasal quadrants than the rest quadrants (Ps <0.05). In patients with severe NPDR, both maximum width and area of paCFZ were significant larger, and the retinal artery inner diameters significant smaller in each quadrant compared to normal subjects (Ps <0.05). The ratio of paCFZ maximum width to artery caliber maximum width was significant greater, and the ratio of paCFZ area to artery caliber was significantly higher in all quadrants compared to normal eyes (Ps <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

OCTA provides noninvasive and quantitative measurement of paCFZ dimensions. The maximum width and area of paCFZ quadrants and the ratios of these parameters to adjacent inner artery width and area are elevated in severe NPDR, suggesting that changes in paCFZ dimension can be used as clinical indices for diseases associated with changes in retinal microcirculation and oxygen pressure.PRÉCIS:Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed differences in retinal periarteral capillary free zone (paCFZ) morphometry between health retina and severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Morphometric indices of paCFZ may be useful for monitoring disease occurrence and progression.

[Analysis of differential gene expressions of inflammatory and repair-related factors in chronic refractory wounds in clinic]

Objective: To compare the tissue morphology and gene expressions of inflammatory and repair-related factors in chronic refractory wound tissue including pressure ulcers and diabetic feet. Methods: During August 2016 to September 2017, 10 samples of prepuce were collected after circumcision of 10 urological patients [all male, aged (38±4) years old] admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and included in normal skin group, samples of tissue around the edge of wounds with blood supply were collected from 9 heat or electric burn patients [6 male patients, 3 female patients, aged (51±8) years old], 13 pressure ulcer patients [9 male patients, 4 female patients, aged (51±14) years old] and 10 diabetic foot patients [8 male patients, 2 female patients, aged (61±10) years old] during the operations. The samples were divided into burn wound group (9 samples), pressure ulcer group (13 samples), and diabetic foot group (10 samples). Ten slices were taken from pressure ulcer group and diabetic foot group respectively, and 5 slices in each group were used to observe the tissue morphology and expressions of Ki67 and CD31 of wounds respectively with immunofluorescence method. Ten samples from normal skin group, 9 samples from burn wound group, 13 samples from pressure ulcer group, and 10 samples from diabetic foot group were collected for analysis of mRNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor 192 (VEGF192), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) , interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) by real time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were processed with Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test. Results: (1) The expression level of Ki67 in diabetic foot group (390±100) was higher than that of pressure ulcer group (182±14, Z=-2.611, P<0.01). (2) Although there were a large number of vascular endothelial cells (CD31 positive cells) in wounds of diabetic foot group, their distribution was disordered and failed to form intact lumen. There were less vascular endothelial cells in wounds of pressure ulcer group than those of diabetic foot group, but the complete lumen was formed. (3) The mRNA expression levels of VEGF192 in wounds of burn wound group, pressure ulcer group, and diabetic foot group were significantly lower than the level in normal skin group (H=13.72, 30.50, 15.20, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the level was the lowest in pressure ulcer group. The mRNA expression level of VEGF192 in wounds of pressure ulcer group was significantly lower than that of diabetic foot group (H=15.30, P<0.01). Compared with that of normal skin group, the mRNA expression level of TGF-β in wounds of burn wound group showed no significant difference (H=-9.50, P>0.05), while the mRNA expression levels of TGF-β in wounds of pressure ulcer group and diabetic foot group were significantly decreased (H=18.04, 14.50, P<0.01). The mRNA expression level of TGF-β in wounds of pressure ulcer group was similar to that of diabetic foot group (H=3.54, P>0.05). (4) Compared with those of normal skin group, the mRNA expression levels of VCAM-1 in wounds of burn wound group and pressure ulcer group were significantly increased (H=-22.50, -11.50, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of VCAM-1 in wounds of diabetic foot group (H=10.00, P>0.05); the mRNA expression level of ICAM-1 in wounds of burn wound group showed no significant difference (H=-9.50, P>0.05), and the levels of ICAM-1 in wounds of pressure ulcer group and diabetic foot group were significantly decreased (H=16.50, 16.50, P<0.01). The mRNA expression level of VCAM-1 in wounds of pressure ulcer group was significantly higher than that of diabetic foot group (H=-21.50, P<0.01), the mRNA expression level of ICAM-1 in wounds of pressure ulcer group was similar to that of diabetic foot group (H=0, P>0.05). (5) Compared with those of normal skin group, except for the mRNA expression level of IL-1β in wounds of diabetic foot group showed no significant difference (H=-10.00, P>0.05), the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β in wounds of burn wound group and pressure ulcer group were significantly increased (H=-32.50, -21.50, P<0.01); the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 were significantly increased in wounds of burn wound group, pressure ulcer group, and diabetic foot group (H=-17.50, -30.50, -11.80, P<0.05 or P<0.01); except for the mRNA expression level of TNF-α in wounds of burn wound group showed no significant difference (H=-9.50, P>0.05), the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α in wounds of pressure ulcer group and diabetic foot group were significantly decreased (H=18.04, 14.50, P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in wounds of pressure ulcer group were significantly lower than those of burn wound group (H=11.00, 27.54, P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the mRNA expression level of IL-6 was significantly higher (H=-13.00, P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in wounds of diabetic foot group were significantly lower than those of burn wound group (H=22.50, 24.00, P<0.01), while the mRNA expression level of IL-6 showed no significant difference (H=5.70, P>0.05). Conclusions: The phenotypes of diabetic foot and pressure ulcer vary from the expressions levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and blood vessels forming ability to the expression levels of growth factors, cell adhesion factors, and inflammatory cytokines.

Effects of oat protein supplementation on skeletal muscle damage, inflammation and performance recovery following downhill running in untrained collegiate men

The positive influence of animal-based protein supplementation during muscle-damaging exercise has been widely studied. However, the effects of plant-based proteins remain unclear and require further clarification. This study investigated the protective role of oat protein against exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD), subsequent inflammation, and loss of performance induced by downhill running. Subjects consumed either oat protein (25 g protein) or a placebo for 14 days prior to a downhill running test and then for 4 days thereafter. Treatments with oat protein for 19 days markedly alleviated eccentric exercise induced skeletal muscle soreness, and reduced the elevation of plasma IL-6 concentrations and serum creatine kinase, myoglobin and C reactive protein contents. In addition, oat protein supplementation significantly inhibited limb edema following damaging exercise, and the adverse effects on muscle strength, knee-joint range of motion, and vertical jump performance were lessened. Furthermore, the administration of oat protein facilitated recovery from exhaustive downhill running in this study. These findings demonstrated that oat protein supplementation has the potential to alleviate the negative effects of eccentric exercise in untrained young males.

B, Broussard L, Clayton S, Currie S, Dees E, Ding X, Fellers D, Fox W, Fries E, Gonzalez F, Geltenbort P, Hickerson K, Hoffbauer M, Hoffman K, Holley A, Howard D, Ito T, Komives A, Liu C, M. M, Medina J, Morley D, Morris C, O'Connor T, Penttilä S, Ramsey J, Roberts A, Salvat D, Saunders A, Seestrom S, Sharapov E, Sjue S, Snow W, Sprow A, Vanderwerp J, Vogelaar B, P.L. W, Wang Z, Weaver H, Wexler J, Womack T, Young A, Zeck B. Status of the UCN experiment

The neutron is the simplest nuclear system that can be used to probe the structure of the weak interaction and search for physics beyond the standard model. Measurements of neutron lifetime and β-decay correlation coefficients with precisions of 0.02% and 0.1%, respectively, would allow for stringent constraints on new physics. The UCNτ experiment uses an asymmetric magneto-gravitational UCN trap with in situ counting of surviving neutrons to measure the neutron lifetime, τn = 877.7s (0.7s)stat (+0.4/−0.2s)sys. We discuss the recent result from UCNτ, the status of ongoing data collection and analysis, and the path toward a 0.25 s measurement of the neutron lifetime with UCNτ.

Search for neutron dark decay: n → χ + e+e−

In January, 2018, Fornal and Grinstein proposed that a previously unobserved neutron decay branch to a dark matter particle (χ) could account for the discrepancy in the neutron lifetime observed in two different types of experiments. One of the possible final states discussed includes a single χ along with an e+e− pair. We use data from the UCNA (Ultracold Neutron Asymmetry) experiment to set limits on this decay channel. Coincident electron-like events are detected with ∼ 4π acceptance using a pair of detectors that observe a volume of stored Ultracold Neutrons (UCNs). We use the timing information of coincidence events to select candidate dark sector particle decays by applying a timing calibration and selecting events within a physically-forbidden timing region for conventional n → p + e- + ν̅e decays. The summed kinetic energy (Ee+e−) from such events is reconstructed and used to set limits, as a function of the χ mass, on the branching fraction for this decay channel.