[Feasibility of single-staged Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with septoplasty in adults with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome]

Objective: To explore the feasibility and therapeutic effect of single-staged Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with septoplasty in adults with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Methods: Ninety six cases with OSAHS were diagnosed by polysomnography, and they all had retropalatal obstruction and deviation of nasal septum. Patients were divided into study group(48 cases) and control group(48 cases) randomly. Cases in study group were simultaneously treated with Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and septoplasty, while cases in control group were only treated with Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. U saturation skill and coblation-assisted were applied in Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. And nasal septum suture technique was applied in septoplasty. The observation index included the intranasal changes with acoustic rhinometry, the prevalence of common postoperation complications and curative effects after six months follow-up period. SPSS 18.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: In study group the overall response rate was 83.33%(40/48), while in control group the overall response rate was 62.50%(30/48). There was statistical significance of response rate between test group and control group(χ(2)=5.275, P<0.05). There was no statistical significance on complication rate between study group and control group(P>0.05). There was no statistical significance on preoperative measurement data(P>0.05). Conclusion: For OSAHS patients with obstructive level at retropalatal plane and nasal plane, Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty combined with septoplasty in one stage is safe and effective.

Therapeutic effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on mastitis experimentally induced by lipopolysaccharide in lactating goats

Escherichia coli is a cause of subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle and goats, and sometimes causes severe clinical disease that may result in death of the animal. Previous investigation showed that ginsenoside Rg1 extracted from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) has an anti-inflammatory effect on the sepsis induced by E. coli lipopolysaccharide via competitive binding to toll-like receptor 4. We hypothesized that intravenous injection of Rg1 had therapeutic effect on mastitis experimentally induced by intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide in lactating goats. In this study, 9 lactating goats were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups: (1) lipopolysaccharide intramammary infusion + saline intravenous injection, (2) lipopolysaccharide intramammary infusion + Rg1 intravenous injection, and (3) saline intramammary administration + saline intravenous injection. Because no adverse clinical signs were observed after intramammary infusion of saline and intravenous injection of Rg1 in a preliminary experiment, and available qualified goats were limited in this study, this treatment was not included in this study. One udder half of each goat received intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide (50 μg/kg of body weight; groups 1 and 2) or saline solution (group 3), and the other half was infused with 2 mL of saline solution at h 0. Afterward, intravenous injections of saline solution (groups 1 and 3) or Rg1 (2.5 mg/kg of body weight; group 2) were administered at h 2 and 4 post-lipopolysaccharide challenge. Blood and milk samples were collected 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 48, and 72 h post-lipopolysaccharide challenge, and clinical signs were monitored hourly after lipopolysaccharide challenge within the first 10 h and at the same time points as blood samples. The results showed that Rg1 treatment downregulated rectal temperature, udder skin temperature, udder girth, milk somatic cell count, and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase and upregulated milk production, lactose, and recovered blood components, such as white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, total proteins, albumin, and globulin. Considering the positive therapeutic effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis in goats presented in this study as well as the anti-inflammatory activity found previously, the botanical Rg1 deserves further study as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of E. coli mastitis in dairy animals.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of long-term glucocorticoid users with community-acquired pneumonia]

Objective: To explore the clinical features, etiological features and prognostic risk factors of long-term glucocorticoid users with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: A retrospective study included 100 long-term glucocorticoid users with CAP (G-CAP group) from 11 hospitals of China between January 2014 and December 2014, while 100 non-immunocompromised patients with community-acquired pneumonia were enrolled as controls (nICH-CAP group). Characteristics including age, gender, underlying diseases, corticosteroids, symptoms, disease severity, imaging manifestations, etiology, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, whether the application of vasoactive drugs, antibiotics application, hospital mortality rate between the two groups were compared, and the prognostic factors of G-CAP were investigated using Logistic regression. Results: The peripheral blood lymphocytes[1.06(0.70, 1.68) vs 1.44 (0.87, 1.98)]in G-CAP group was less than nICH-CAP group (P<0.05). CT with pulmonary interstitial change (28.6% vs 9.9%), the proportion of patients with respiratory failure (25.0% vs 7.0%), mechanical ventilation (9.0% vs 2.0%), noninvasive mechanical ventilation (12.0% vs 2.0%), septic shock (9.0% vs 2.0%), and the hospital mortality rate (13.0% vs 3.0%) in G-CAP group were significantly higher than in nICH-CAP group (all P<0.05). Bacterial infection accounted for the highest proportion of infection (61.3%) in G-CAP group, but also virus infection (19.4%) and mixed infection (16.1%). Pseudomonas accounted for the highest proportion (47.4%) in bacterial infection of G-CAP. Logistic regression analysis showed that peripheral blood lymphocytes (OR=0.004, 95% CI: 0.000-0.234; P<0.05) and respiratory failure (OR=17.766, 95% CI: 4.933-131.0; P<0.05) were independent predictors of death in G-CAP group. Conclusions: The proportion of severe pneumonia and the mortality rate of patients with G-CAP are higher than the patients with nICH-CAP. Lymphopenia and respiratory failure are associated with poor outcome of patients with G-CAP.

[Perspectives of antiviral drugs used on influenza]

Antiviral drugs on influenza are important in the control program of influenza. Options for influenza treatment are currently limited to using the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs). Given limited effectiveness of NAIs and related resistance, there remains an urgent need for the development of influenza antiviral drugs that can improve the efficacy and provide low propensity of viral resistance. Several influenza-related antiviral drugs that are currently under the late-stage clinical trials all appear differently in the mechanism of action. It is hoped that when new antiviral drugs are licensed, care and outcomes of severe influenza cases will be improved.

Leaf aging effects on copper and cadmium transfer along the lettuce-snail food chain

Metal bioavailability at root plasma membrane surfaces and chemical forms within cells putatively controls the trophic transfer processes. Accumulation and distribution of Cu or Cd in lettuce were investigated as a function of lettuce leaf aging through soil-solution culture experiments. Metal contents in snail tissues were examined after fed on young (interior) or old (exterior) age leaves for 15d, respectively. In both roots and leaves, Cu accumulation was higher than Cd by 3-90 fold. Regardless of 9.42 μmoL/L CuCl2 exposure, young leaves accumulated more Cu than old leaves, while higher Cu contents are found in snail tissues fed on old leaves. Opposite trends were observed for Cd. Copper as an essential element had a higher transfer factor (TF) than the non-essential element Cd in biomagnification from leaf to snail. Reasons involved in metal chemical forms within leaf cells, where higher percentages of toxicity and migration associated metal (Fi: inorganic form, Fii: water-soluble form and Fiii: pectate- and protein-integrated form) are found for Cu in old leaves (88.3-91.6%) and Cd in young leaves (86.8-94.5%). Metal activities at root plasma membrane surfaces ({M2+}0) and chemical forms in Fi + Fii + Fiii linearly correlated with metal accumulation in lettuce and snail tissues (R2 > 0.900, p < 0.001 for snails fed on old leaves). Our study incorporated both the chemical form approach and {M2+}0 into evaluating the trophic bioavailability of different metals along the lettuce-snail chain, which is important for mechanistic understanding of metal behaviors in the ecosystem.

[Assessment of cortical bone material distribution in medial column of proximal humerus with computed tomography]

Objective: To evaluate the cortical bone characteristics in the medial column of proximal humerus. Methods: A total of one hundred and three healthy adults who underwent shoulder computed tomography scanning in Tianjing Hospital were included in this study.The subjects were divided into three groups according to the age: group A (20-39 years), group B (40-59 years), and group C (>60 years). Cortical bone mapping (CBM) was used to analyze ordinary clinical CT scans using Stradwin 5.2 software.Colors thickness maps were created for each proximal humerus.The region of interest (ROI) 1-6 were set at three levels of the lateral and medial column of proximal humerus.Cortical thickness (CTh), cortical mass surface density (CMSD), and endocortical trabecular bone mineral density (ECTD) were assessed in the three slices in proximal metaphysis.The impact of age, gender to the cortical bone indices of medial column of proximal humerus were investigated with relative analysis.Cortical indices of the lateral and medial column were compared with independent samples t test. Results: In ROI 2 and 3, men had higher cortical bone values than women, and significant differences in ECTD and CMSD were found in ROI 2, 3 and ROI 2 (t=2.100, 2.238, 2.530, all P<0.05). The lineal regression analysis showed that all cortical indices in ROI 1-3 decreased significantly with age for both women and men (r(2)=0.042-0.248, all P<0.05). In group A-C, the medial columns had higher CTh and CMSD values than lateral sides in plane 1, although significant differences were found only in group A (t=3.696, 3.749, both P<0.05). The highest CTh, CMSD and ECTD of the medial compact bone was detected in ROI 1, followed by ROI 2 and 3 in group A (F=5.867, 6.776, 19.062, all P<0.05). The medial columns had approximately equivalent cortica indices values in ROI 1-3 in group B and C. Conclusion: It indicated that significant regional variation in all cortical parameters exists in the medial column of proximal humerus, and the indices are influenced by gender and age.

Development of an ordinary mode multi-channel correlation reflectometer on EAST tokamak

An ordinary-mode polarized multi-channel correlation reflectometer has been developed on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). The system with four different probing frequencies (i.e., 20.4 GHz, 24.8 GHz, 33 GHz, and 40 GHz) and two poloidally spaced receiving antennas can realize both the radial correlation measurement and the poloidal correlation measurement. These diagnostics focus on the measurement of density fluctuation in the pedestal region to investigate the turbulence transport and H-mode physics on EAST. In this article, the system hardware design, the key component tests, and the system performance are shown in detail.

[The clinic experience of implantable diaphragm pacer in a patient with high cervical spinal cord injury and literature review]

Objective: To report the use of implantable diaphragm pacer (IDP) in a patient with high cervical spinal cord injury(HCSCI). Methods: A 14-year-old male patient, who suffered from a HCSCI at C2 neurological level and had been on a ventilator for 2 years, received IDP in August 2017 at China Rehabilitation Research Center. A systematic literature review was performed on IDP in patients with HCSCI in Pubmed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases, using the keywords: phrenic nerve and electrical stimulation and spinal cord injury; IDP and spinal cord injury; breathing pacemaker system and spinal cord injury. All fields were covered from 1970/01/01 to 2018/01/01 in Pubmed, from 1981/01/01 to 2018/01/01 in CNKI, and from 1900/01/01to 2018/01/01 in Wanfang. Results: No spontaneous breathing was observed preoperatively in the patient. The electrical response of phrenic nerves was intact on the right, but unresponsive on the left. We got started with the IDP at 4 weeks after surgery. The threshold voltage of the right hemidiaphragm pacing was 0.1 V and at the level of 0.7 V with an optimal effect. No significant diaphragmatic contraction was found at left side with the extent up till 0.7 V. The maximum tidal volume was 840 ml when electrical stimulation was given at an intensity of 0.7 V bilaterally. The bilateral stimulation voltage at 0.1-0.2 V, pacing frequencies at 9 beats/min in bed, or at 12 beats/min on wheelchair, were set to maintain the tidal volume at the level of (435±32) ml. After 2-week adaptive training, the patient could wean from the ventilator for 12 hours and had a normal blood gas analysis. At 6 week after surgery, with the aid of IDP, the patient could get out in wheelchair for outdoor activities. By literature review, we found 78 English papers, including 6 clinical trials, 10 reviews, and 11 Chinese papers, consisting of 8 reviews, 1 study in animal, and 2 news reports. Extensive contents, such as preoperative evaluation, preoperative preparation, surgical procedures, complications, surgical outcomes, and animal model studies of IDP were involved. The indications of IDP reported by literature were: (1) central alveolar hypoventilation; (2) Sleep apnea syndrome (Biot's respiration); (3) Respiratory failure induced by brainstem injury or disease; (4) Respiratory failure induced by spinal cord injury or disease above C3 level. Conclusion: Our case study confirmed the therapeutic effect of IDP on patients with respiratory failure caused by HCSCI.

Effects of asymmetry and hot-spot shape on ignition capsules

Asymmetric implosion of inertial confinement fusion capsules is known, both experimentally and computationally, to reduce thermonuclear performance. This work shows that low-mode asymmetries degrade performance as a result of a decrease in the hydrodynamic disassembly time of the hot-spot core, which scales with the minimum dimension of the hot spot. The asymmetric shape of a hot spot results in decreased temperatures and areal densities and allows more alpha particles to escape, relative to an ideal spherical implosion, thus reducing alpha-energy deposition in the hot spot. Here, we extend previous ignition theory to include the hot-spot shape and quantify the effects of implosion asymmetry on both the ignition criterion and the capsule performance. The ignition criterion becomes more stringent with increasing deformation of the hot spot. The new theoretical results are validated by comparison with existing experimental data obtained at the National Ignition Facility. The shape effects on thermonuclear performance are relatively more noticeable for capsules having self-heating and high yields. The degradation of thermonuclear burn can be as high as 45% for shots with a yield lower than 2×10^{15} and less than 30% for shots with a higher yield.

[Effect of neuroglobin on oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation induced autophagy in a human neuroblastoma cell line]

Objective: To investigate the effect of neuroglobin on oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) induced autophagy in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were transfected with plasmids (or vector) to establish a stable cell line of NGB overexpression (OE). After treated with OGD/R, cells were collected for the analyses of mRNA (Atg5, Atg7, BECN1 and FUNDC1) and protein levels of LC3. Furthermore, mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions were isolated for protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin. Results: Treatment of OGD/R significantly increased the levels of mRNA of Atg5, Atg7, BECN1 and FUNDC1 (peak levels were 4.90±0.71, 6.72±0.75, 2.71±0.39 and 3.96±0.78 fold, all P<0.05). The protein level of Parkin increased in mitochondria and decreased in cytoplasm after the treatment. Compared with the vector group, Ngb OE group showed a significant higher level of FUNDC1 mRNA (3.96±0.78 versus 6.86±0.63 fold, P<0.05), while Atg5, Atg7 and BECN1 mRNA levels showed no significant difference. Moreover, the mitochondrial or cytosolic protein levels of PINK1 or Parkin showed no significant difference between Ngb OE and vector group. Conclusions: Overexpression of Ngb can not affect autophagy or mitohpagy in OGD/R treated SH-SY5Y cells. Overexpression of Ngb can increase the mRNA level of FUNDC1 and the mechanism needs further study.

[Minimally invasive small incision direct anterior total hip arthroplasty in the lateral decubitus position: complications and early outcome]

Objective: To analyze the feasibility, perioperative complications and early outcomes of minimally invasive small incision in direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty in lateral decubitus position. Methods: From January 2015 to January 2017, 212 patients (228 hips) received minimally invasive small incision (approximately 8 cm in length) direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty in modified lateral decubitus position and approach. Sixteen cases underwent bilateral hip arthroplasty separately. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon in the Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Hospital. Twenty-eight patients (28 hips) were set as the complicated case group. The rest 184 patients (200 hips) had no previous hip surgeries, severe deformity and limited motion of the hip, were set as the standard group, and were divided into the first 100 cases group and the second 100 cases group in sequence. The difference between the standard group and complicated case group were analyzed. Also we compared the difference between the first 100 cases and the second 100 cases. Perioperative complications, postoperative function and radiological evaluation were recorded and statistically analyzed. The t test was applied to compare the data between groups. Results: All the patients were followed-up for 13 to 25 months[(18±5) months]. Intraoperative complications and postoperative complications happened in 9 and 34 patients respectively. The anterior dislocation occurred in 2 cases. The standard group showed significant superior outcomes when compared with complicated case group in the surgical time[(42±19) vs (67±16) min, t=-2.628, P=0.027], blood loss[(222±94) vs (579±120) ml, t=-8.371, P=0.000], postoperative Harris hip score[90±5 vs 83±7, t=2.390, P=0.024]and the rate of surgical complication (15.0% vs 46.4%, χ(2)=15.854, P=0.000). The complication rate tended to decrease in the second 100 cases when compared with that in the first 100 cases (11.0% vs 19.0%, χ(2)=3.922, P=0.037). Meanwhile, the second 100 cases showed significant excellent outcomes when compared with the first 100 cases in the mean surgical time[(34±15) vs (48±10) min, t=4.217, P=0.002]and blood loss[(182±52) vs (254±40) ml, t=2.889, P=0.018]. Conclusions: It suggests that there is a learning curve with the minimally invasive small incision direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty in lateral decubitus position. The risk of intraoperative femoral fractures is slightly high, especially for cases with osteoporosis, stiffness and limited range of movement. Surgeons in early learning curve period should grasp the surgical indications and master the technical points.

[Expression and clinical significance of MIIP and PAK1 in endometrial carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the expressions of migration and invasion inhibitory protein (MIIP) and p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) in endometrial carcinoma (EC) and their correlation with clinicopathological features. Methods: The protein levels of MIIP and PAK1 in 135 paraffin-embedded EC tissues, 55 atypical hyperplasia of endometrium (AHE) and 88 normal endometrium (NE) tissues were quantified by immunohistochemistry, the clincial significance and the relationship of these two proteins were also analyzed. Results: The positive rates of MIIP expression in NE, AHE and EC tissues were 52.3%(46/88), 41.8% (23/55) and 34.8% (47/135), respectively. The expression of MIIP in EC was significantly lower than that of MIIP in NE (P<0.05). The positive rates of PAK1 expression in NE, AHE and EC tissues were 45.5% (40/88), 50.9% (28/55) and 62.2% (84/135), respectively. The expression of PAK1 in EC tissues was significantly higher than that of PAK1 in NE tissues (P<0.05). The expression of MIIP in EC tissues was significantly associated with myometrial invasion, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). The expression of PAK1 in EC tissues was significantly related with differentiation, myometrial invasion, FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). The expressions of MIIP and PAK1 in EC tissues were marginally related with the overall survival of patients (P=0.092, P=0.052). The expression of MIIP in EC was negatively correlated with PAK1 (r=-0.329, P<0.001). Conclusions: The down-regulation of MIIP and up-regualtion of PAK1 paticipate in the initiation and development of EC, which are correlated with the poor prognosis of EC. The protein expression of MIIP is inversely related with PAK1 in EC.

Dietary supplemented antimicrobial peptide microcin J25 improves the growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, fecal microbiota, and intestinal barrier function of weaned pigs

Microcin J25 (MccJ25) is an antimicrobial peptide produced by a fecal strain of Escherichia coli containing 21 AA. This study was performed primarily to evaluate the effects of MccJ25 as a potential substitute for antibiotics (AB) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, and intestinal barrier function in weaned pigs. In the present study, 180 weaned pigs (7.98 ± 0.29 kg initial BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments, including a basal diet (CON) and CON supplemented with AB (20 mg/kg colistin sulfate; ABD) or 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25. On d 0 to 14, dietary supplementation with MccJ25 and ABD had positive effects on ADG, ADFI, diarrhea incidence, and G:F ( < 0.05). Pigs fed the 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 diet had greater ADG ( < 0.05) and marginally greater G:F ( < 0.10) compared with pigs fed the ABD diet. Compared with the CON diet, the 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 diet sharply improved ( < 0.05) ADG and G:F and decreased ( < 0.05) diarrhea incidence (d 15 to 28 and d 0 to 28). Apparent digestibility of nutrients in pigs fed 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 was improved ( < 0.05) compared with that of pigs fed CON and ABD. The serum cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in pigs fed MccJ25 were greater than in pigs fed CON ( < 0.05). Additionally, the IL-10 concentration in pigs fed MccJ25 was sharply increased ( < 0.05) compared with that of pigs fed CON. Pigs fed 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 diets had remarkably decreased lactate, diamine oxidase, and endotoxin concentrations and fecal numbers ( < 0.05) and improved fecal and numbers ( < 0.05). Compared with the ABD diet, the diet containing 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 did not increase lactate, diamine oxidase, and endotoxin (d 14) concentrations ( < 0.05) or decrease the and (d 28) numbers ( < 0.05). The diets containing 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 and ABD (d 28) improved lactate concentration and short-chain fatty acid concentrations, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, in feces ( < 0.05). Moreover, the pigs fed 2.0 mg/kg MccJ25 had greater lactate, butyrate (d 14), and propionate concentrations than the pigs fed the ABD diet ( < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplemented MccJ25 effectively improved performance, attenuated diarrhea and systematic inflammation, enhanced intestinal barrier function, and improved fecal microbiota composition of weaned pigs. Therefore, MccJ25 could be a potential effective alternative to AB for weaned pigs.

Modeling the interaction and toxicity of Cu-Cd mixture to wheat roots affected by humic acids, in terms of cell membrane surface characteristics

Responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedling roots to the mixtures of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and humic acids (HA) were investigated using the solution culture experiments, focusing on the interaction patterns between multiple metals and their influences on root proton release. A concentration-addition multiplication (CA) model was introduced into the modeling analysis. In comparison with metal ion activities in bulk-phase solutions, the incorporation of ion activities at the root cell membrane surfaces (CMs) (denoted as {Cu²⁺}₀ and {Cd²⁺}₀) into the CA model could significantly improve their correlation with RRE (relative root elongation) from 0.819 to 0.927. Modeling analysis indicated that the co-existence of {Cu²⁺}₀ significantly enhanced the rhizotoxicity of {Cd²⁺}₀, while no significant effect of {Cd²⁺}₀ on the {Cu²⁺}₀ rhizotoxicity. 10 mg/L HA stimulated the root elongation even under metal stress. Although high concentration of metal ions inhibited the root proton release rate (ΔH⁺), both the low concentration of metal ions and HA treatments increased the values of ΔH⁺. In HA-Cu-Cd mixtures, actions of metal ions on ΔH⁺ values were varied intricately among treatments but well modeled by the CA model. We concluded from the CA models that the electrostatic effect is vitally important for explaining the effect of {Cu²⁺}₀ on the rhizotoxicity of {Cd²⁺}₀, while it plays no unique role in understanding the influence of {Cd²⁺}₀ on the rhizotoxicity of {Cu²⁺}_0. Thus our study provide a novel way for modeling multiple metals behaviors in the environment and understanding the mechanisms of ion interactions.

[Study of bioequiavailability of paclitaxel for Injection (Albumin Bound) and abraxane and the efficacy of extension treatments in patients with metastatic breast cancer]

Objective: To compare the bioequiavailability of paclitaxel for injection (albumin bound) (PAB) and reference listed drug abraxane in the patients with metastatic breast cancer, and to investigate the safety and efficacy in the extension treatments of PAB. Methods: This study was random, two cycles, self-crossover control study in the bioequiavailability stage. PAB was the investigational drug T and Abraxane was the reference drug R. Patients were randomly assigned to two cycles therapy of either R→T or T→R(260 mg/m(2)/21d). Non-PD patients entered in the extension treatments of the investigational drug PAB(260 mg/m(2)/21d) until the disease progression or the intolerance toxicity. Results: From Mar 1, 2016 to May 24, 2016, we enrolled 40 patients. The blood concentration-time curve and the parameters of pharmacokinetics indicated the two drugs were the bioequivalent drug products in the initial two cycles crossover-therapy.The incidence of adverse drug reactions were 89.7% vs 97.4% in investigational drug vs reference drug and grade 3/4 toxicities were 20.5% vs 21.1%(P=1.000). Patients received a median of 7 treatment cycles(range 1-23) and a median of 260mg/m(2) actual drug dose (range 220-260 mg/m(2)). Seven patients (17.5%) had dose reductions because of toxicities (260 mg/m(2) reduce to 220 mg/m(2)). Twenty-two patients (55%) discontinued treatment prematurely because of toxicity.Overall response rates (ORR) were 40% (95% CI, 24.8%-55.2%). For patients who received PAB as first-line vs non-first-line therapy, the ORR were 43.8% vs 25%. For patients who taxane-naïve vs taxane-pretreated, the ORR were 45.5% vs 37.9%. Median PFS was 49 weeks(95% CI, 30weeks-NA). Conclusion: The paclitaxel for injection (albumin bound) (PAB) and reference listed drug abraxane are the bioequivalent drug products.The toxicity and efficacy of the PAB are similar with abraxane.The more therapy chances for Chinese patients will come by the research and development of domestic drugs.

Measurement of Ti-6Al-4V alloy ignition temperature by reflectivity detection

Fires resulting from titanium combustion are complex and violent processes which can instantly burn a titanium alloy once ignited. The occurrence of titanium combustion is a disaster for aircraft. Accurate measurement of the ignition temperature of titanium alloys is of significance in preventing such fires and in investigating combustion-resistance properties. In this study, monochromatic temperature and emissivity measurement methods based on reflectivity detection were used to determine the ignition temperature of a titanium alloy. Experiments were carried out using a titanium burning apparatus. The temperatures of titanium in the oxidation stage before ignition and in the combustion stage during the ignition process were measured using wavelengths of 1050 nm and 940 nm, respectively. Experimental results showed that the ignition temperature of the titanium alloy could be measured by reflectivity detection and that measurement precision during thermal oxidation (500-900 °C) was ±1 °C. The temperature of the ignition process ranged between 1653 and 1857 °C, and the ignition temperature was around 1680 °C.

[Establishment pharmacological research platform for "Concurrent treatment of the brain and heart" and its application on dissecting mechanism of Danhong injection]

The Concurrent treatment of the brain and heart (CTBH) theory is proposed based on traditional Chinese medical theory and clinical practice. In this study, a framework for the pharmacological research platform was established to investigate the principles of concurrent treatment of the brain and heart. The platform for CTBH includes several key techniques for network modeling, discovery of active substances, dissecting mechanism of action and investigation of pharmacokinetic property of TCM. Taking network modeling of CTBH as an example, using database search, literature mining, network construction and module analysis, the that network modules closely associated with the pathological progress of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were identified, while further functional enrichment analysis of these modules indicated that the key biological processes included oxidative stress, metabolism and inflammation. GSK3B, NOTCH1, CDK4 were identified as key nodes in these network modules. The above-mentioned platform was applied to construct component-biomolecules network of Danhong injection for the identification of common targets and pathways. Among them, GSK3B had the highest correlation with the composition of Danhong injection in the network, and the biological function of whose cluster was related to cell oxidative stress. Based upon results of network analysis, validation experiments suggested that Danhong injection significantly improved the survival rate of oxidative injured myocardial cells and nerve cells, and the protective effect was related to the increase of phosphorylated GSK3β protein expression. Moreover, extracts of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Carthami Flos exerted the synergisticcytoprotective effect. The results indicated that the mechanism of treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases of Danhong injection could be studied through network modeling and other methods. In summary, the proposed pharmacological platform provided a feasible way for revealing the mechanism of CTBH by using modern scientific methods.

Assessment of the Combined Effect of Plasma Exchange and Plasma Perfusion on Patients with Severe Hepatitis Awaiting Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

To determine if plasma exchange combined with plasma perfusion is a reliable and effective temporary liver support treatment for patients on the waiting list for OLT, we tested this method in 5 patients with end-stage and 3 patients with middle-stage severe hepatitis. Four patients were successfully controlled until a donor liver was available 4 to 13 days later. In contrast, the remaining 4 patients were not adequately controlled by this treatment and experienced aggravated disease progression, dying 3 to 8 days after treatment while still awaiting OLT. Of those 4 patients who received OLT, 2 patients died from multi-organ failure caused by hepatic failure, while the other 2 survived. These findings show that plasma exchange combined with plasma perfusion provides temporary support for some patients on the waiting list for OLT. The ability of patients to successfully bridge to OLT is closely associated with the degree of liver failure, complications, multi-organ failure, and the length of the waiting period for a donor liver.

Clinical Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Using High-Frequency Linear Probe in the Detection of Small Colorectal Liver Metastases

To compare the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using high-frequency linear and convex probes in the detection of small colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). A total of 85 patients with 143 small CRLMs were evaluated. High-frequency ultrasound (US) and CEUS detected significantly more superficial lesions within 60 mm below the skin than a convex probe (p <0.05). The detection rate decreased in the chemotherapy group, especially when using a convex probe for US (p <0.05). By combining convex and linear probes, detection rates of US and CEUS were significantly higher than that of a convex or a linear probe alone (p <0.05). High-frequency US and CEUS helped to improve detection of small CRLMs and reduce the influence of chemotherapy. For patients with a high risk of CRLMs and those after chemotherapy, we recommend first scanning the liver by using a convex probe and subsequently screening the surface area of the liver and suspicious small lesions by using a linear probe.

Inhibiting the CD38/cADPR pathway protected rats against sepsis associated brain injury

BACKGROUND

The CD38/cADPR pathway has been found to play roles in various inflammatory conditions. However, whether CD38 plays a protective or detrimental effect in the central nervous system (CNS) is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CD38/cADPR pathway in sepsis associated brain injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were undergone cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham laparotomies. NAD⁺, cADPR and CD38 were measured in the hippocampus of septic rats at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48h after CLP surgery. Rats were divided into the sham, CLP group, CLP+ CD38 expression lentivirus (CLP+ CD38 LV), CLP+ CD38 interference lentivirus (CLP+ CD38 Ri), CLP+ negative control lentivirus (CLP+NC) and the CLP+8-Br-cADPR groups. The Western blots of Bcl-2, Bax and iNOS, TUNEL assays, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays, transmission electron microscope analysis were performed in the hippocampus of rats.

RESULTS

NAD⁺, cADPR and CD38 levels increased significantly in the hippocampus of septic rats as early as 12-24h after CLP surgery. CD38 knockdown or blocking cADPR with 8-Br-cADPR significantly reduced apoptosis, MDA and SOD activity, iNOS expression and ultrastructural morphology damages in the hippocampus of septic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found that the CD38/cADPR pathway was activated in sepsis associated brain injury. Blocking this pathway protected the hippocampus from apoptosis, oxidative stress and ultrastructural morphology damages in septic rats.

Blocking the CD38/cADPR pathway plays a double-edged role in LPS stimulated microglia

Whether the CD38/cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) pathway plays a protective or detrimental role in neuroinflammation remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the role of CD38 in neuroinflammation using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells and co-cultured Neuro-2a (N2a) cells. In monoculture experiments, BV2 cells were divided into control, CD38 interference (CD38Ri), negative control (NC), LPS, CD38Ri+LPS, NC+LPS and 8-Br-cADPR+LPS groups. In co-culture experiments, N2a cells were co-cultured with BV2 cells for 48h. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), cADPR and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and CD38 expression increased significantly in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. CD38 knockdown or 8-Br-cADPR treatment significantly reduced NAD⁺, cADPR and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels. CD38 knockdown increased iNOS and NO levels in BV2 cells without LPS treatment; however, CD38 knockdown or 8-Br-cADPR treatment reduced iNOS and NO levels in BV2 cells with LPS treatment. CD38 knockdown increased the ratio of TUNEL-positive cells and cleaved Caspase 3/Caspase 3 ratio, and decreased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio in BV2 cells without LPS treatment; however, CD38 knockdown reduced the TUNEL positivity in BV2 cells with LPS treatment. CD38 knockdown or 8-Br-cADPR inhibited TNF-α, IL-6 (interleukin-6) and IL-1β levels in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Co-culture with CD38 knockdown or 8-Br-cADPR-treated BV2 cells did not influence apoptosis or iNOS expression in N2a cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that blocking the CD38/cADPR pathway reduces intracellular Ca²⁺, NO and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. CD38 knockdown exerted a detrimental effect in apoptosis and NO production in normal microglia, but played a protective role in apoptosis and NO production in LPS-stimulated microglia.

Effect of different nitrogen forms on the toxicity of Zn in wheat seedling root: a modeling analysis

Heavy metal stress in culture media is always rhizotoxic. Our study aims to investigate the role of negative potential (ψ ₀) at root cell membrane surface (CMs) on modeling Zn²⁺ toxicity to wheat seedling roots and to examine the effects of different nitrogen forms (NH₄⁺ and NO₃^-) on ψ ₀ and Zn rhizotoxicity. Solution culture experiments were conducted to measure the root elongation and Zn accumulation under Zn²⁺ exposure. The role of two nitrogen forms in affecting Zn²⁺ toxicity was compared, giving particular consideration to ψ ₀ and Zn²⁺ activities at CMs ({Zn²⁺}₀). Results showed that NH₄⁺ alleviates Zn²⁺ rhizotoxicity and NO₃^- increases Zn²⁺ rhizotoxicity. In modeling the rhizotoxicity, root length correlated better with {Zn²⁺}₀ than {Zn²⁺}_b, and the predictive accuracy (r ²) of NH₄⁺ treatment increased from 0.748 to 0.917 when incorporation of {Zn²⁺}₀ and {Ca²⁺}₀ into analysis. Oppositely, ψ ₀ played a limited role in modeling Zn²⁺ rhizotoxicity and bioavailability in NO₃^- treated medium (r ² = 0.609). Moreover, higher concentration of Zn in roots was found in NO₃^- treatment, compared with the NH₄⁺ treatment. ψ ₀ rather than the rhizotoxicity data correlated better with Zn accumulation especially in the NO₃^- treatment (r ² > 0.7), which meant the electrical driving force at CMs playing a dominant role in modeling the metal accumulation. In conclusion, the alleviatory role of NH₄⁺ on Zn toxicity and uptake was well explained and modeled by electrostatic effects at CMs. Though our data do not explore mechanisms for the NO₃^--Zn²⁺ interactions, we propose that ψ ₀ worked better in affecting the driving force for root Zn uptake, than influencing metal bioavailability at CMs.