The use of customized 3D-printed mandibular prostheses with pressure-reducing device: A clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Segmental bone defects of the mandible result in the complete loss of the affected region. We had incorporated the pressure-reducing device (PRD) designs into the customized mandible prostheses (CMP) and conducted a clinical trial to evaluate this approach.

METHODS

Seven patients were enrolled in this study. We examined the association among the history of radiotherapy, the number of CMP regions, the number of chin regions involved, and CMP exposure.

RESULTS

We included five men and two women with an average age of 55 years. We excised tumors with an average weight of 147.8 g and the average weight of the CMP was 68.5 g. No significant difference between the two weights was noted (p = 0.3882). Three patients received temporary dentures and the CMP remained stable in all patients.

CONCLUSION

The use of PRD in CMP may address the previous challenges associated with CMP, but further research is necessary.

Use of customized 3-dimensional printed mandibular prostheses with a dental implant pressure-reducing device in mandibular body defect: A finite element study performing multiresponse surface methodology

Background/purpose

Segmental body defects of the mandible result in the complete loss of the affected region. In our previous study, we investigated the clinical applicability of a customized mandible prosthesis (CMP) with a pressure-reducing device (PRD) in an animal study. In this study, we further incorporated dental implants into the CMP and explored the use of dental implant PRD (iPRD) designs.

Materials and methods

By employing a finite element analysis approach, we created 4 types of CMP: CMP, CMP with iPRD, CMP-PRD, and CMP-PRD with iPRD. We developed 2 parameters for the iPRD: cone length (CL) in the upper part and spring pitch (SP) in the lower part. Using the response surface methodology (RSM), we determined the most suitable structural assignment for the iPRD.

Results

Our results indicate that CMP-PRD had the highest von Mises stress value for the entire assembly (1076.26 MPa). For retentive screws and abutments, CMP with iPRD had the highest von Mises stress value (319.97 and 452.78 MPa, respectively). CMP-PRD had the highest principal stress (131.66 MPa) in the anterior mandible. The iPRD reduced principal stress in both the anterior and posterior mandible. Using the RSM, we generated 25 groups for comparison to achieve the most favorable results for the iPRD and we might suggest the CL to 12 mm and the SP to 0.4 mm in the further clinical trials.

Conclusion

Use of the PRD and iPRD in CMP may resolve the challenges associated with CMP, thereby promoting its usage in clinical practice.

Oral soft tissue biopsy surgery: Current principles and key tissue stabilization techniques

There are different kinds of benign and malignant lesions in the oral cavity. Clinically, definite diagnosis can be confirmed only by doing adequate surgical biopsy and subsequent histopathological examination. Inadequate biopsy technique, unsuitable selection of the location for biopsy, inappropriate tissue handling and record of patients' information may lead to artifacts and misdiagnosis by the oral pathologists. Soft tissue stabilization is a challenge during oral surgery procedures. It needs the cooperation of operator, assistants, and patients to overcome the difficulty and ensure the successful outcome. In this article, we reviewed the procedures for clinical surgical biopsy, and raised three current tissue stabilization methods including fingers and gauze stabilization, stabilization with chalazion forceps and adapted instruments, and stabilization with retraction sutures. Moreover, some limitations were also presented. Clinician should examine the clinical characteristics of the oral lesion, the surrounding anatomical structures, and their own clinical experience and preference to select the appropriate tool. More understanding of these biopsy and tissue stabilization methods can effectively improve the biopsy procedures and obtain adequate tissues for histopathological examination and subsequent issue of an accurate pathological report.

[Analysis of clinical and genetic variation in neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency]

Objective: To investigate the clinical phenotype and gene variation conditions in neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD), so as to provide a basis for genetic counseling and clinical diagnosis and treatment of the family. Methods: 11 cases of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis who visited the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University between February 2019 and March 2021 were selected as the study subjects. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect the gene variation condition in 11 neonatal patients and 100 normal control neonates. The suspicious loci and family members were verified by Sanger sequencing and QPCR technology. Results: All 11 children with NICCD had different degrees of jaundice and liver damage symptoms, combined with coagulation dysfunction and anemia (n = 7), cardiac malformation (n = 2), elevated myocardial enzymes (n = 4), hyperlipidemia (n = 1), hyperkalemia (n = 1), persistent diarrhea (n = 3), developmental delay (n = 1). A total of 10 different types of SLC25A13 gene mutations were detected in 11 cases, including three frameshift mutations, two splicing changes, two missense mutations, one intron insertion, one nonsense mutation, and one heterozygous deletion. After reviewing literature and databases, c.1878delG(p.I627Sfs*73) and exon11 deletion were novel mutations that had not been reported at home or abroad. Conclusion: The clinical features of NICCD are non-specific, and genetic testing aids in the early and accurate diagnosis of the disease, providing an important basis for clinical treatment and genetic counseling for family members. In addition, the detection of novel mutation sites has enriched the SLC25A13 gene variation spectrum.

The Clinical and Biological Effects of Receptor Expression-Enhancing Protein 6 in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

There are currently no effective biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), which causes a poor 5-year overall survival rate. Thus, it is crucial to identify more effective diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TSCC patients. The receptor expression-enhancing protein 6 (REEP6), a transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum resident protein, controls the expression or transport of a subset of proteins or receptors. Although it was reported that REEP6 plays a role in lung and colon cancers, its clinical impact and biological role in TSCC are still unknown. The present study aimed to identify a novel effective biomarker and therapeutic target for TSCC patients. Expression levels of REEP6 in specimens from TSCC patients were determined with immunohistochemistry. Gene knockdown was used to evaluate the effects of REEP6 in cancer malignancy (colony/tumorsphere formation, cell cycle regulation, migration, drug resistance and cancer stemness) of TSCC cells. The clinical impact of REEP6 expression and gene co-expression on prognosis were analyzed in oral cancer patients including TSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Tumor tissues had higher levels of REEP6 compared to normal tissues in TSCC patients. Higher REEP6 expression was related to shorter disease-free survival (DFS) in oral cancer patients with poorly differentiated tumor cells. REEP6-knocked-down TSCC cells showed diminished colony/tumorsphere formation, and they also caused G1 arrest and decreased migration, drug resistance and cancer stemness. A high co-expression of REEP6/epithelial-mesenchymal transition or cancer stemness markers also resulted in poor DFS in oral cancer patients. Thus, REEP6 is involved in the malignancy of TSCC and might serve as a potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for TSCC patients.

[Efficacy of relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures in the treatment of OSAHS with soft palate oropharyngeal obstruction]

Objective: To explore the efficacy of relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: Seventy-three patients(including 60 males and 13 females) with OSAHS admitted to the department of otorhinolaryngology of our hospital in recent two years were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients had velopharyngeal obstructionevaluated by electronic endoscopic Müller test and were divided into control group (34 cases) and observation group (39 cases). The patients in the control group were performed modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, while those in the observation group were performed relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures.The scores of ESS, AHI and LSaO₂ before and after treatment were collected and compared. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was 94.87%, which was significantly higher than 79.41% of the control group. The AHI was lower and LSaO₂ value was higher (χ²=-1. 896,-1. 968,P<0.05)in the observation group. The sleeping symptoms and quality of life of the two groups were significantly improved. The ESS score of the observation group was decreased more significantly than that of the control group after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=-1.451,P<0.05). The incidence of foreign body sensation in pharynx of the observation group (89.74%) was higher than that of the control group (55.88%), and the postoperative bleeding and postoperative recurrence rate (0.00%, 2.56%) was lower than that of the control group (8.82%, 14.70%)with statistical significance (χ²=4.738,4.249,4.119,P<0.05).The incidence of transient nasopharyngeal reflux in both groups was low and statistically insignificant (χ²=0.629,P>0.05). Conclusions: Preoperative strict screening of indications plays an important role in the selection of palatopharyngeal surgery methods and curative effect. Relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures can improve the clinical efficacy of OSAHS with better safety and less recurrence.

Clinical Significance and the Role of Guanylate-Binding Protein 5 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Guanylate binding protein 5 (GBP5) is the interferon (IFN)-inducible subfamily of guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) and is involved in pathogen defense. However, the role played by GBP5 in cancer development, especially in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is still unknown. Herein, next-generation sequencing analysis showed that the gene expression levels of GBP5 were significantly higher in OSCC tissues compared with those found in corresponding tumor adjacent normal tissues (CTAN) from two pairs of OSCC patients. Higher gene expression levels of GBP5 were also found in tumor tissues of 23 buccal mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (BMSCC)/14 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) patients and 30 oral cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database compared with those in CTAN tissues. Immunohistochemical results showed that protein expression levels of GBP5 were also higher in the tumor tissues of 353 OSCC patients including 117 BMSCC, 187 TSCC, and 49 lip squamous cell carcinoma patients. Moreover, TCGA database analysis indicated that high gene expression levels of GBP5 were associated with poor overall survival in oral cancer patients with moderate/poor cell differentiation, and associated with poor disease-free survival in oral cancer patients with moderate/poor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, GBP5-knockdowned cells exhibited decreased cell growth, arrest at G1 phase, and decreased invasion/migration. The gene expression of markers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stemness was also reduced in GBP5-silenced oral cancer cells. Taken together, GBP5 might be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for OSCC patients, especially for those with poor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis.

Osteomyocutaneous Free Fibula Flap Prevents Osteoradionecrosis and Osteomyelitis in Head and Neck Cancer Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

 Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is one of the most severe complications of free fibula reconstruction after radiotherapy. The gold standard treatment of osteomyelitis involves extensive debridement, antibiotics, and sufficiently vascularized muscle flap coverage for better circulation. Therefore, we hypothesized that free fibula flap with muscle could decrease the risk of ORN.

METHODS

 This study consisted of 85 patients who underwent reconstruction with free fibula flap in head and neck cancer by a single reconstructive surgeon at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital over a period of 19 years (1998-2016). Patients with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy were included in the study and were grouped by either free fibula osteocutaneous flap or free fibula osteomyocutaneous flap (with flexor hallucis longus muscle), and the incidence of ORN was compared.

RESULTS

 Of the 85 patients, 15 were reconstructed with osteocutaneous fibula flap and 70 were with osteomyocutaneous fibula flap. The rate of ORN or osteomyelitis was significantly lower in the muscle group (18.6%, n = 13/70 vs. 46.7%, n = 7/15, p = 0.020, Chi-square test).

CONCLUSION

 Vascularized muscle transfer increases perfusion of surrounding tissues and the bone flap, thereby decreasing the incidence of osteomyelitis or osteonecrosis.

UBE2C is a Potential Biomarker for Tumorigenesis and Prognosis in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 2C (UBE2C) involves in numerous cellular processes and the tumor progression in many cancers. However, its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the role and clinical significance of UBE2C in OSCC. The expression levels of UBE2C were examined by immunohistochemistry in 185 buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinomas, 247 tongue squamous cell carcinomas (TSCCs) and 75 lip squamous cell carcinomas. The roles of UBE2C in cell growth, invasion/migration and cancer stemness were also examined in OSCC cells. The expression levels of UBE2C protein were higher in tumor tissues than they were in the corresponding tumor adjacent normal tissues from OSCC patients. Higher UBE2C expression was associated with poor cell differentiation and lymph node invasion in OSCC patients. High UBE2C expression was also correlated with shorter disease-specific survival in TSCC patients having poor cell differentiation, advanced pathological stages, lymph node metastasis as well as receiving radiation therapy. Compared to control cells, OSCC cells in which UBE2C was silenced showed decreased cell proliferation, migration/invasion and colony formation and they exhibited lower expression levels of the following cancer stemness markers—ALDH1/A2, CD44, CD166 and EpCAM. High co-expression levels of UBE2C/CD44, UBE2C/CD166 and UBE2C/EpCAM were associated with poor prognosis in oral cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Our findings indicated that UBE2C might be a potential biomarker for tumorigenesis and prognosis in TSCC.

Detection of the clarithromycin resistance of Helicobacter pylori in gastric mucosa by the amplification refractory mutation system combined with quantitative real-time PCR

The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of detecting Helicobacter pylori clarithromycin resistance in gastric mucosa using the amplification refractory mutation system combined with quantitative real-time PCR (ARMS-PCR). Gastric mucosal specimens (150) were collected from patients who were unsuccessfully treated for H. pylori eradication. Each specimen was divided into 2 samples. One sample was used to extract genomic DNA and detect any gene mutations of H. pylori produced by ARMS- PCR. Sequencing was used to assess the accuracy of this method. The other sample was used to culture H. pylori. The E-test minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was used to assess clarithromycin resistance. The results were compared with a paired chi-square test to validate the coincidence rate among the 3 methods. The coincidence rate between the sequencing and ARMS-PCR results was 98.7%, thus verifying the accuracy of ARMS-PCR. E-tests detected 144 clarithromycin resistance cases, including 45 sensitivity cases; the resistance rate was 70%. The coincidence rate between the results of the E-test and ARMS-PCR was 97.1%, and no significant difference between the 2 methods was observed. ARMS-PCR is a simple and fast method that has high sensitivity and specificity and can be used to detect the clarithromycin resistance of H. pylori in gastric mucosa. ARMS-PCR is expected to be used to study drug resistance mechanisms and use in assays of individual therapies for H. pylori eradication.

NMR-based metabolomics for the environmental assessment of Kaohsiung Harbor sediments exemplified by a marine amphipod (Hyalella azteca)

Inflow of wastewater from upstream causes a large flux of pollutants to enter Kaohsiung Harbor in Taiwan daily. To reveal the ecological risk posed by Kaohsiung Harbor sediments, an ecological metabolomic approach was employed to investigate environmental factors pertinent to the physiological regulation of the marine amphipod Hyalella azteca. The amphipods were exposed to sediments collected from different stream inlets of the Love River (LR), Canon River (CR), Jen-Gen River (JR), and Salt River (SR). Harbor entrance 1 (E1) was selected as a reference site. After 10-day exposure, metabolomic analysis of the Hyalella azteca revealed differences between two groups: {E1, LR, CR} and {JR, SR}. The metabolic pathways identified in the two groups of amphipods were significantly different. The results demonstrated that NMR-based metabolomics can be effectively used to characterize metabolic response related to sediment from polluted areas.

[Influence of extremely low-frequency magnetic field on circadian rhythm of cryptochrome in mouse embryonic fibroblasts]

Objective: To investigate the influence of extremely low-frequency magnetic field on periodical expression of cryptochrome (Cry) gene in mouse embryonic fibroblast NIH3T3 cells. Methods: The NIH3T3 cells were divided into magnetic field group and sham-exposure group. The NIH3T3 cells in the magnetic field group were stimulated by horse serum and then exposed to an extremely low-frequency magnetic field (50 Hz and 0.3 mT) for 48 hours, and those in the sham-exposure group were also stimulated by horse serum and then exposed to a coil for 48 hours. The NIH3T3 cells were collected, total RNA was extracted, and cDNA was obtained via reverse transcription. Real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure the changes in transcription cycles of Cry and Period genes in both groups. Results: There was no significant difference in the proliferation rate at 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours of exposure between the two groups (P>0.05) . Both sham-exposure group and magnetic field group showed a rhythmic change in the expression of Cry gene, and compared with the sham-exposure group, the magnetic field group had a significantly shortened circadian rhythm of Cry gene in NIH3T3 cells (t=2.57, P<0.05) . Both groups had rhythmic and periodical expression of Period gene and there was no significant difference between the two groups (t=0.70, P>0.05) . Conclusion: Extremely low-frequency magnetic field can significantly shorten the circadian rhythm of Cry gene in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, while there is no significant change in the circadian rhythm of Period gene.

[Clinical evaluation value of visual analogue scale combined with C-reactive protein for the prognosis of peritonsillar abscess]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical value of visual analogue scale combined with serum C-reactive protein in evaluating the prognosis of peritonsillar abscess. Method:Thirty-one patients be hospitalized with peritonsillar abscess were enrolled in this study, who were treated by puncture and antibiotic from January 2016 to February 2017. VAS and CRP level were detected on the 1, 3, 5 day of hospitalization for all the patients. Result:Twenty-five patients were cured after 5 days. The 1, 3, 5 day's VAS of forty-seven patients were 8.20±1.25, 4.42±1.05, 1.41±0.55, respectively, and the CRP level were (62.41±8.61), (20.46±5.32), (5.41±1.95)mg/L, respectively (P<0.05) in the three days. The 1, 3 day's VAS of six patients were 8.41±1.44, 7.37±1.15, respectively, and the CRP level were (59.85±8.35), (45.33±7.46)mg/L, with no significant difference (P>0.05) in the two days. But the fifth day' VAS was 1.55±0.65, and the CRP level was 10.24±2.57 mg/L, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05)) compared with the first day. Conclusion:Subjective evaluation used by VAS and objective evaluation used by CRP level to assess the prognosis of peritonsillar. Therefore, VAS score combined with C-reactive protein detection is more accurate for the prognosis of tonsil abscess evaluation..

Correlation between microRNA-143 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and disease severity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

This study aims to explore the correlation between microRNA-143 (miR-143) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and disease severity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. From March 2014 to November 2015, 194 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (102 patients in progressive stage and 92 patients in stable stage) were selected as the case group and 175 healthy people as a control group were enrolled in this study. ELISA was used to detect the levels of IL-17 and VEGF in serum. The qRT-PCR assay was performed to detect the relative expression of miR-143 in PBMCs. Disease severity in psoriasis vulgaris patients was graded with Psoriasis Lesions Area and Severity Index (PASI). The value of miR-143 expression in PBMCs for the diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The correlation between miR-143 expression in PBMCs and PASI scores was measured using Spearman rank correlation analysis. Compared with the control group, serum levels of IL-17 and VEGF were higher and miR-143 expression in PBMCs was lower in the case group. Furthermore, miR-143 expression in PBMCs was lower in patients in progressive stage than that in patients with stable stage. The relative expression of miR-143 in PBMCs was negatively correlated with PASI scores of patients with psoriasis vulgaris. ROC curve showed that miR-143 was a reliable and accurate biomarker of psoriasis vulgaris. Our findings suggest that miR-143 expression in PBMCs is negatively correlated the disease severity in psoriasis vulgaris.

[Analyses of prognostic factors relevant to acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss]

Objective: To investigate the prognostic factors relevant to acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL). Methods: 196 adult ALHL patients, including 82 males and 114 females with mean age of (43.1±14.3)years old were included. All patients received the same therapy and were evaluated the curative effect. To evaluate the impact factors on the prognosis of hearing, inclusive of age, gender, time delay before the first visit, degree of deafness, vestibular function, electrocochleogram, and the serum levels of thyroxines by SPSS 18.0 software. Results: Of those 196 patients with ALHL, 124(63.3%) were recovery, 5(2.6%) were excellent better, 42(21.4%) were better, and 25 (12.8%) were poor, with a total effective rate of 87.2%. Among 15 (12.1%) who recurred the hearing loss, 2 developed into Meniere's disease during the follow-up. The mean age of patients with poor hearing effect was significantly older than that of other patients (P<0.05). No relativity was found between gender and hearing curative effect. There existed a statistical difference in total effective rate among subjects with different histories (P<0.05). In addition, the recovery rate was significantly different between groups, i. e., the course of disease was less than 14 days, between 14 days and 6 months, and between 6 months and 2 years (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in total effective rate among different degrees of deafness (P>0.05). However, in term of the recovery rate, the difference was statistical significance (P<0.05). The recovery rate in patients with mild hearing loss was higher than that in middle or heavy hearing loss (both P<0.05). Among patients with mild deafness, the recovery rate in patients whose history was less than 3 months was significantly higher than that more than 3 months (P<0.05). For moderate deafness patients, the recovery rate in patients whose history was less than 7 days was significantly higher than that more than 1 month (P<0.05). There were statistical differences in hearing effect of 130 (66.3%) patients with abnormal vestibular function in comparison to that with normal vestibular function (χ²=15.1, P<0.05). There were 17(8.7%) patients with abnormal electrocochleogram combined with abnormal vestibular function, and the hearing effects were all poor. There were 45 (23.0%) patients with abnormal thyroxine levels in serum, which was significant higher than that in health adults of 5.9%(χ²=7.26, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in hearing prognosis between patients with abnormal and normal thyroxine levels (χ²=2.51, P>0.05). Conclusions: With respect to ALHL, the hearing effect is associated significantly with the history. The severity of hearing loss is negative prognostic factor for hearing recovery. Age, vestibular function, and electrocochleogram might predict hearing recovery. Gender and thyroxine levels couldn't predict the hearing prognosis, although there is a high incidence rate in patients with ALHL.

[Ultrahigh-frequency hearing thresholds in middleaged and elderly healthy adults]

Objective:To investigate the ultrahigh-frequency(UHF) hearing thresholds in middle-aged and elderly healthy subjects .Method: Healthy subjects(age range: 50-69 ) were divided into two groups,i.e.50-59 year-old group and >59-69 year-old group.Each subject was tested with both conventional-frequency(0.25,0.50,1.00,2.00,4.00,6.00 and 8.00 kHz) and ultrahigh-frequency(9.0,10.0,11.5,12.5,14.0,16.0,18.0,and 20.0 kHz) audiometry.UHF was performed twice to evaluate the reliability.The best hearings among 20-29 aged healthy adults were considered as normal controls.Results:Seventy five middle-aged and elderly subjects were included,with 39 subjects(78 ears) being 50-59 years old and 36(72 ears) being >59-69 year-old.Eighteen subjects(36 ears) aging from 20 to 29 were considers as controls.For the conventional-frequency,the hearing thresholds in middle-aged and elderly people were significantly higher than those in young people(all P<0.05),especially at ≥4 kHz.Although the conventional-frequency thresholds in >59-69 year-old group were higher than those in 50-59 year-old,the difference was significant just at 4 kHz(P<0.05).The UHF thresholds in middle-aged and elderly people were significantly higher than those in young people(all P<0.05).The thresholds at 9,10,11.5 and 12.5 kHz in >59-69 year-old people were significantly increased than those in 50-59 year-old counterparts(all P<0.05).Hearing threshold at ≥12.5 kHz couldn't be detected in some subjects in middle-aged and elderly group.The response rate at UHF in >59-69 year-old people were just higher than that in 50-59 year-old counterparts (P>0.05),and none responded at 18 and 20 kHz.The standard deviations(SDs) for <14 kHz in 50-59 year-old and for <11.5 kHz in >59-69 year-old subjects,were both higher than that in 20-29 year old counterparts.Above 6 kHz,the SDs in 50-59 year-old subjects were significantly higher than those in >59-69 year-old subjects(all P<0.05).Conclusion:For middle-aged and elderly people,the hearing loss may occur from 4 kHz.Hearing thresholds at UHF were increased with age,and it might be used as an early indicator for age-induced hearing loss.However,the UHF sensitivity decreased as the frequency increased beyond 14 kHz.

Establishment of a neuroblastoma mouse model by subcutaneous xenograft transplantation and its use to study metastatic neuroblastoma

The aim of this study was to establish a metastatic human neuroblastoma (NB) mouse model by xenograft in order to study the metastatic mechanisms of NB. A human NB cell line was obtained from a 5-year-old patient and cultured in vitro. A suspension of these cells was subcutaneously inoculated into nude mice at the right flank next to the forelimb. The biological characteristics of the developed subcutaneous and metastatic tumors were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of the tumor marker neuron-specific enolase was determined by immunohistochemistry, and the invasive ability of metastatic tumors was examined by a Matrigel invasion assay. DNA microarray analyses were performed to examine the metastasis-related gene expression. Our results showed that tumors grew in 75% of the mice injected with NB cells and the rate of metastasis was 21%. The xenograft tumors retained the morphological and biological characteristics of the NB specimen from the pediatric patient. Neuron-specific enolase was highly expressed in both subcutaneous and metastatic tumors. The metastatic tumor cells possessed a higher invasive capability than the primary NB cells. The expression of 25 metastasis-related genes was found to be significantly altered in metastatic tumors compared to primary tumors, including RECK, MMP2, VEGF, MMP3, and CXCL12. In conclusion, we successfully established a human NB xenograft model with high tumor-bearing and metastatic rates in nude mice, providing an ideal animal model for the in vivo study of NB.

Elevated TrkA receptor expression is associated with all-trans retinoic acid-induced neuroblastoma differentiation

Neuroblastoma is the most common and one of the deadliest among pediatric tumors; however, a subset of infants with neuroblastoma display spontaneous regression. The mechanism of spontaneous regression remains to be elucidated. TrkA plays an essential role in the differentiation and functionality of neurons; abundant TrkA expression is associated with favorable prognosis of neuroblastoma. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a first-line drug for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treatment, has been shown to induce differentiation and inhibit cell growth. Neuroblastoma tissues in our hospital inpatient were collected, primary cell culture was performed, and the cells were separated and purified to be cell line. Trypan blue exclusion was used to count the numbers of cells alive, morphological changes were observed under the phase-contrast microscope. RT-PCR was used to determine the expression level of TrkA. In this study, a human neuroblastoma cell line was successfully established; in addition, we demonstrated that ATRA induces growth arrest and promotes the differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. In addition, ATRA was shown to significantly increase the levels of TrkA mRNA expression. Therefore, we concluded that the elevated expression of the TrkA receptor is associated with ATRA-induced growth arrest and differentiation o neuroblastoma cells. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of differentiation-inducing ATRA for neuroblastoma therapy.

Effect of ORF119 gene deletion on the replication and virulence of orf virus

Orf is a severe infectious disease of sheep and goats caused by orf virus (ORFV). To investigate the role of ORF119 gene of ORFV, we constructed ORFV with deleted ORF119 gene and LacZ as reporter gene (ORFV-Δ119-LacZ) via homologous recombination. The results showed that wild-type ORF-SHZ1 and ORFV-Δ119-LacZ deletion viruses replicated in Vero cells to similar titers. Relative transcriptional levels of virulence genes OVIFNR, GIF, VEGF and VIL-10 of ORFV-Δ119-LacZ deletion virus were slightly but not significantly lower after 24 hr compared with the wtORF-SHZ1 virus. In vivo experiments showed that 2-month-old lambs inoculated with ORFV-Δ119-LacZ deletion virus exhibited a similar total clinical score compared with those inoculated with wtORF-SHZ1 virus. Based on these results, we conclude that deletion of the ORF119 gene has no significant effect on ORFV replication and virulence.

Changes of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors in the penumbra area after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and effects of astragaloside IV on rats

This study investigated the changes in peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) in the penumbra after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and examined the effects of astragaloside IV (AST) on PBRs in rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a sham operation group, a model group, and three AST treatment groups. Cerebral ischemic models were induced by the clue-blocked method. Neurological deficits were examined. The animals were sacrificed after 2 h of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion, and mitochondria from the penumbra were purified. PBR density (Bmax) and affinity were measured by radioligand assays. Mitochondrial [(3)H]PK11195 binding was correlated with neurological deficits in rats. Compared to the model group, the 10 mg/kg AST group, 40 mg/kg AST group, and 100 mg/kg AST group had fewer neurological deficits. The effects in the 40 mg/ kg group did not significantly differ from the effects in the 100 mg/ kg group. Compared to the model group, the 10 mg/kg AST group, 40 mg/kg group, and 100 mg/kg group had a decreased Bmax in the penumbra. The Bmax decreased in the 40 mg/kg AST group and in the 100 mg/kg AST group compared with the 10 mg/kg group. The Bmax and neurological deficits in the 40 mg/kg did not significantly differ from those in the 100 mg/kg group. By contrast, the AST-treated rats showed no significant changes in the binding parameter equilibrium dissociation constant compared with those in the sham operation group and the model group. AST protects ischemic brain tissue by inhibiting PBR expression after cerebral ischemia.

Genetic diversity of Vietnamese domestic chicken populations as decision-making support for conservation strategies

The aims of this study were to assess the genetic diversity of 17 populations of Vietnamese local chickens (VNN) and one Red Jungle Fowl population, together with six chicken populations of Chinese origin (CNO), and to provide priorities supporting the conservation of genetic resources using 20 microsatellites. Consequently, the VNN populations exhibited a higher diversity than did CNO populations in terms of number of alleles but showed a slightly lower observed heterozygosity. The VNN populations showed in total seven private alleles, whereas no CNO private alleles were found. The expected heterozygosity of 0.576 in the VNN populations was higher than the observed heterozygosity of 0.490, leading to heterozygote deficiency within populations. This issue could be partly explained by the Wahlund effect due to fragmentation of several populations between chicken flocks. Molecular analysis of variance showed that most of genetic variation was found within VNN populations. The Bayesian clustering analysis showed that VNN and CNO chickens were separated into two distinct groups with little evidence for gene flow between them. Among the 24 populations, 13 were successfully assigned to their own cluster, whereas the structuring was not clear for the remaining 11 chicken populations. The contributions of 24 populations to the total genetic diversity were mostly consistent across two approaches, taking into account the within- and between-populations genetic diversity and allelic richness. The black H'mong, Lien Minh, Luong Phuong and Red Jungle Fowl were ranked with the highest priorities for conservation according to Caballero and Toro's and Petit's approaches. In conclusion, a national strategy needs to be set up for Vietnamese chicken populations, with three main components: conservation of high-priority breeds, within-breed management with animal exchanges between flocks to avoid Wahlund effect and monitoring of inbreeding rate.

Topology of feather melanocyte progenitor niche allows complex pigment patterns to emerge

Color patterns of bird plumage affect animal behavior and speciation. Diverse patterns are present in different species and within the individual. Here, we study the cellular and molecular basis of feather pigment pattern formation. Melanocyte progenitors are distributed as a horizontal ring in the proximal follicle, sending melanocytes vertically up into the epithelial cylinder, which gradually emerges as feathers grow. Different pigment patterns form by modulating the presence, arrangement, or differentiation of melanocytes. A layer of peripheral pulp further regulates pigmentation via patterned agouti expression. Lifetime feather cyclic regeneration resets pigment patterns for physiological needs. Thus, the evolution of stem cell niche topology allows complex pigment patterning through combinatorial co-option of simple regulatory mechanisms.

Qualitative comparison of bremsstrahlung X-rays and 800 MeV protons for tomography of urania fuel pellets

We present an assessment of x-rays and proton tomography as tools for studying the time dependence of the development of damage in fuel rods. We also show data taken with existing facilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory that support this assessment. Data on surrogate fuel rods have been taken using the 800 MeV proton radiography (pRad) facility at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), and with a 450 keV bremsstrahlung X-ray tomography facility. The proton radiography pRad facility at LANSCE can provide good position resolution (<70 μm has been demonstrate, 20 μm seems feasible with minor changes) for tomography on activated fuel rods. Bremsstrahlung x-rays may be able to provide better than 100 μm resolution but further development of sources, collimation, and detectors is necessary for x-rays to deal with the background radiation for tomography of activated fuel rods.

The protective effect of curcumin on ischemia-reperfusion-induced liver injury

OBJECTIVE

Reperfusion of the ischemic liver results in the generation of oxidative and nitrosative stresses and reaction product of peroxynitrite, which induce rapid cytotoxicity and liver injury. In this study we demonstrated that curcumin, an antioxidant, attenuated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced liver injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ischemia was induced by clamping the common hepatic artery and portal vein of rats for 30 minutes. Thereafter, flow was restored and the liver was reperfused for 80 minutes. Blood samples collected prior to ischemia and after reperfusion were analyzed for methyl guanidine (MG), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and adenosphate triphosphate (ATP). Blood levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (sGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (sGPT), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), which served as indexes of liver injury, were measured.

RESULTS

The protocol resulted in elevation of blood NO (P < .001), TNF-α (P < .001), and MG (P < .001). sGOT, sGPT, and LDH were elevated significantly (P < .001), whereas ATP was significantly diminished (P < .001). Pretreatment with curcumin (25 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the reperfusion liver injury, while the ATP content reversed. In addition, MG, TNF-α, and NO release were attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that curcumin exerted potent anti-inflammatory effects in I/R-induced liver injury due to its antioxidant effects.

Liver reperfusion-induced decrease in dynamic compliance and increase in airway resistance are ameliorated by preischemic treatment with melatonin through scavenging hydroxyl radicals in rat lungs

OBJECTIVES

Acute lung injury is frequently observed in patients subsequent to liver ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the changes in pulmonary function, eg, lung dynamic compliance (C(dyn)) and airway resistance (RI), are not well understood. We sought to study the alternations in pulmonary function during liver I/R and the protective effects of preischemic treatment with melatonin.

METHODS

Animals were divided into 3 groups: sham-operated, liver I/R, and intraperitoneal (i.p.) pretreatment with melatonin (15 mg/kg). Liver I/R was performed by clamping the hepatic artery and portal vein for 30 minutes followed by releasing for 2 hours. The C(dyn) and RI were studied at baseline and at 2 hours of reperfusion. We assessed the level of pulmonary hydroxyl radicals by methylguanidine (MG) content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as well as the liver damage using plasma levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT).

RESULTS

After 2 hours of liver reperfusion, C(dyn) was reduced by ∼25%, while RI increased by ∼16% (P < .05). The decreased C(dyn) and increased RI were markedly attenuated by melatonin pretreatment (P < .05). Melatonin pretreatment also protected the liver against I/R injury (P < .05), as seen by reduced LDH, GOT and GPT along with markedly reduced hydroxyl radicals (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Preischemic treatment with melatonin protected lung function against damage by liver I/R. The improvement in lung function was strongly associated with decreased hydroxyl radicals in the lungs.

Difficulties in organ procurement and transplantation in the aboriginal minority people in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Aboriginal people (AP) are a minority group in Taiwan. Little information on their perspectives on organ transplantation (OT) is available. Their rights for organ donation (OD) and as OT recipients (OTR) are constrained as a vulnerable population in society. This research sought to explore various Highland Aborigine Tribes beliefs systems and concepts related to OT.

METHODS

We employed a qualitative design on a purposive sample including seven categories of Taiwanese AP. Data collected by face-to-face interviews were evaluated by content analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-five informants (45 female and 30 males) of 18 to 82 years from seven tribes completed interviews: Bunun (n = 20), Shao (n = 18), Tsou (n = 15), Amis (n = 12), Truku (n = 4), Rukai (n = 3), and Puyuma (n = 3). Of there, 33% had no idea of OT. All informants reported lack of knowledge of OD, organ procurement, and OTR. Eighty percent (45-82 years) had no willingness for OD or OTR; others might consult family members and health professionals (HP) to learn about OT. Seven hindering factors were identified: (1) having no background of OT; (2) limited impressions obtained from television news reports; (3) negative concepts of donating one's organs to others; (4) OT concepts contrast with cultural meanings of death; (5) possibility of being stigmatized; (6) fear of being rejected by others; and (7) HP had never mentioned OT.

CONCLUSIONS

Taiwan APs' perspectives of OT concepts showed the majority to be unfamiliar with the concept and benefits of OT. Future research is necessary to explore the possible avenues to facilitate communications between HP and AP leaders, as well as elders in each AP category in Taiwan.

A global analysis of molecular markers and phenotypic traits in local chicken breeds in Taiwan

Molecular and phenotypic data have been combined to characterize the genetic diversity of six local chicken breeds maintained with a long-term conservation programme. Hua-Tung, Hsin-Yi, Ju-Chi and Quemoy originated from Taiwan, Shek-Ki is from South China, and Nagoya is from Japan. Molecular tools included 24 microsatellite markers, melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) (MC1R), the LEI0258 marker located within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and mitochondrial DNA. Performance was recorded on the same individuals for body weight, panting rate in summer and antibody response (antigens: Newcastle disease virus and sheep red blood cells). A multivariate method previously proposed for taxonomy was used to combine the different data sets. Melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) and the MCW330 marker contributed the most to the first axis of the multiple coinertia analysis of molecular markers. Melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) showed evidence of selection, probably related to its effect on feather colour. The MHC exhibited a large diversity, with 16 alleles of the LEI0258 marker. Immune response traits contributed the most to the principal component analysis of phenotypic data. Eight mitochondrial DNA haplotypes related to clades A, B, C and E were distributed across breeds and revealed an important contribution of Indian and European breeds to Ju-Chi, Quemoy and Hsin-Yi. Phenotypic data contributed less than molecular data to the combined analysis, and two markers, LEI0258 and LEI0228, contributed the most. The combined analysis could clearly discriminate all breeds, except Ju-Chi, which was similar to Quemoy for many criteria, except immune response.

Disposition of asarone after intravenous administration to rabbits assessed using HPLC

A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of asarone in rabbit plasma has been developed. Up to 0·1 mL of plasma containing asarone was deproteinated by acetonitrile, which contained an internal standard (indomethacin). The supernatant was injected into a Nucleosil 7C18 column using acetonitrile-water-triethylamine (55:45:0·1 v/v, pH 5·4–5·5, adjusted with orthophosphoric acid) as the mobile phase and UV detection at 257 nm, followed by UV spectrum identification (between 200 and 380 nm) with a photodiode array detector. The method is rapid, easily reproduced, selective and sensitive. It was applied to pharmacokinetic studies of asarone in rabbit, after 5, 10, or 20 mg kg−1 intravenous administration. Rapid distribution followed by a slower elimination phase was observed from the plasma concentration–time curve. The plasma disposition at each dose fitted well to a two-compartment open model and the terminal disposition became much slower as the dose was increased, suggesting a nonlinear dose-dependent plasma asarone disposition.

Application of voice signal collection and analysis in traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation of deficiency and excess

OBJECTIVE

To provide more objective basis for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation of deficiency and excess by collecting and analyzing voice signals and extracting characteristic parameters.

METHODS

All of 308 samples including 150 samples of qi-deficiency, 52 yin-deficiency, 55 excess and 51 normal were collected by "Voice Collecting System of TCM" and analyzed by wavelet packet transform (WPT) combined with approximate entropy (ApEn). The characteristic parameters with remarkable differences were chosen as input vectors for support vector machine (SVM) classifier to obtain classification results.

RESULTS

Comparison between the normal and non-healthy showed that ApEn values of several nodes in 2 to 3 kHz, 3.5 to 4 kHz and 5 to 8 kHz frequencies were significantly different (P≤0.05); comparison between the deficiency and excess showed that ApEn values of several nodes in 0 to 2.5 kHz and 6 to 6.5 kHz frequencies were significantly different (P≤0.05); comparison between the qi-deficiency and yin-deficiency showed that ApEn values of node in 2 to 4 kHz frequency were significantly different(P≤0.05). The outputs of SVM showed that accuracies of samples in each group had good classification results by analyzing the ApEn values in different frequencies through WPT.

CONCLUSION

The methods of voice collection and analysis used in the auscultation of TCM can provide objective basis for syndrome differentiation of deficiency and excess.

Water extract of Zizyphus Jujube attenuates ischemia/reperfusion-induced liver injury in rats (PP106)

AIMS

Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injuries in the liver remain important clinical problems. Free oxygen radicals and nitrosative stress have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis I/R-related liver injury. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of an extract of Zizyphus Jujube (ZJ), which has strong antioxidant effects, on I/R-induced liver injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ischemia (I) was induced in rat livers by clamping the common hepatic artery and portal vein for 40 minutes, after which flow was restored, and the liver was reperfused for 90 minutes. Blood samples were collected prior to I and after reperfusion to assay blood levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), oxygen radical (OH), and nitric oxide (NO). In the pharmacologic intervention group a water extract of the fruit of ZJ was administered orally to rats (100 mg/mL for 7 days) that were subsequently exposed to the I/R liver injury.

RESULTS

The data showed that reperfusion (R) of the liver produced increases in blood concentrations of ALT (41.9+/-8.2 vs 338.0+/-89.6; P<.01; N=7) and LDH (317+/-129 vs 4073+/-950; P<.001; N=7). Oxygen radicals (55.1+/-14.3 vs 262.4+/-60.3; P<.001; N=7) and NO (69.3+/-14.9 vs 121.6+/-27.1; P<.01; N=7) also increased significantly in this R group. In the ZJ intervention group the liver injury, oxidative stress, and nitrosative stress were all significantly attenuated.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that I/R-induced liver injury with white blood cell activation, oxidative stress, and nitrosative stress. Pretreatment with an extract of ZJ, which shows high antioxidant effects, significantly attenuated the I/R-induced liver injury.

Ischemia and reperfusion of the lung tissues induced increase of lung permeability and lung edema is attenuated by dimethylthiourea (PP69)

This study sought to determine whether oxygen radical scavengers of dimethylthiourea (DMTU), superoxide dismutase (SOD), or catalase (CAT) pretreatment attenuated ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced lung injury. After isolation from a Sprague-Dawley rat, the lungs were perfused through the pulmonary artery cannula with rat whole blood diluted 1:1 with a physiological salt solution. An acute lung injury was induced by 10 minutes of hypoxia with 5% CO2-95% N2 followed by 65 minutes of ischemia and then 65 minutes of reperfusion. I/R significantly increased microvascular permeability as measured by the capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc), lung weight-to-body weight ratio (LW/BW), and protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (PCBAL). DMTU pretreatment significantly attenuated the acute lung injury. The capillary filtration coefficient (P<.01), LW/BW (P<.01) and PCBAL (P<.05) were significantly lower among the DMTU-treated rats than hosts pretreated with SOD or CAT. The possible mechanisms of the protective effect of DMTU in I/R-induced lung injury may relate to the permeability of the agent allowing it to scavenge intracellular hydroxyl radicals. However, whether superoxide dismutase or catalase antioxidants showed protective effects possibly due to their impermeability of the cell membrane not allowing scavenging of intracellular oxygen radicals.

Evaluation of methanogenic treatment of TMAH (tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide) in a full-scale TFT-LCD wastewater treatment process

This study evaluated TMAH biodegradation under methanogenic conditions. Under methanogenic conditions, a sludge from a full-scale UASB treating TFT-LCD wastewater was able to degrade 2,000 mg/L of TMAH within 10 h and attained a specific degradation rate of 19.2 mgTMAH/gVSS-h. Furthermore, several chemicals including some surfactants, DMSO, and sulfate were examined for their potential inhibitory effects on TMAH biodegradation under methanogenic conditions. The results indicated that surfactant S1 (up to 2%) and DMSO (up to 1,000 mg/L) presented negligible inhibitory effects on TMAH degradation, while surfactant S2 (0.2-1%) might inhibit methanogenic reaction without any TMAH degradation for 3-5 h. At sulfate concentrations higher than 300 mg/L, a complete inhibition of methanogenic reaction and TMAH biodegradation was observed. Results from cloning and sequencing of archaeal 16S rRNA gene fragments showed that Methanosarcina barkeri and Methanosarcina mazei were the dominant methanogens in the UASB treating TMAH-containing TFT-LCD wastewater.

Field observations and management strategy for hot spring wastewater in Wulai area, Taiwan

Hot springs are important centers for recreation and tourism. However, the pollution that may potentially be caused by hot spring wastewater has rarely been discussed. More than half of Taiwan's hot springs are located in areas where the water quality of water bodies is to be protected, and untreated wastewater could pollute the receiving water bodies. In this study, we investigate hot spring wastewater in the Wulai area, one of Taiwan's famous hot spring resorts. Used water from five hot spring hotels was sampled and ten sampling events were carried out to evaluate the changes in the quality of used water in different seasons, at different periods of the week, and from different types of hotels. The concentrations of different pollutants in hot spring wastewater were found to exhibit wide variations, as follows: COD, 10-250 mg/L; SS, N.D.-93 mg/L; NH(3)-N, 0.01-1.93 mg/L; TP, 0.01-0.45 mg/L; and E. coli, 10-27,500 CFU/100 mL. The quality of hot spring wastewater depends on the operation of public pools, because this affects the frequency of supplementary fresh water and the outflow volume. Two management strategies, namely, onsite treatment systems and individually packaged treatment equipment, are considered, and a multi-objective optimization model is used to determine the optimal strategy.

Matrix metalloprotease expressions in both reperfusion lung injury and oleic acid lung injury models and the protective effects of ilomastat

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to study the expressions of matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) and the effects of the MMP inhibitor Ilomastat in both ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)- and oleic acid (OA)-induced lung injury models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Real-time polymerase chain reactions and Western blots were used to assess mRNA and protein expressions of MMP9 in lung tissues after I/R or OA lung injury. Ischemia was induced by clamping one branch of the pulmonary artery for 60 minutes and then reperfusing for 120 minutes. In the OA model, lung injury was induced by intravenous infusion of OA (0.1 mL/kg) for 20 minutes and then observation for 6 hours. Lavage leukocyte concentration and wet/dry lung weight ratio were used to assess lung inflammation and injury. Blood samples were collected for assays of hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide. The MMP inhibitor Ilomastat (100 microg/kg) was administered before I/R and OA infusion.

RESULTS

mRNA and protein expressions of MMP9 were significantly increased in both lung injury models. Ilomastat decreased MMP9 mRNA and protein expressions but did not reach statistical significance. Blood concentrations of hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide, wet/dry lung weight ratios, and lavage leukocyte concentrations were significantly higher in both experimental groups compared with the sham group (P < .001). Ilomastat significantly attenuated the extent of lung inflammation and injury induced by both I/R and OA.

CONCLUSION

MMP may play a critical role in the lung injury induced by I/R and OA infusion.

A travelling wave dielectrophoretic pump for blood delivery

The travelling wave dielectrophoretic pump studied here is essentially a rectangular straight micro-channel with an electrode array on part of its wall, and operated under an ac voltage with phase shift at neighbouring electrodes. The travelling wave dielectrophoretic force drives the cells, which drag the plasma, and after some sophisticated interaction between conventional dielectrophoresis, travelling wave dielectrophoresis and fluid mechanics, the whole blood is delivered. The pump was fabricated using MEMS techniques and studied in details for different parameters. It is found that the pumping velocity is maximized at an intermediate frequency around 20-30 MHz (varies with phase shift), and at an intermediate channel height at about 40 microm. The quasi-static average cell velocity can reach 15 microm s(-1) for a pump with 1 mm length and 16 electrodes (total array length 465 microm) operated at 5 V and 20 MHz with 90 degrees phase shift.

High-pressure needle interface for thermoplastic microfluidics

A robust and low dead volume world-to-chip interface for thermoplastic microfluidics has been developed. The high pressure fluidic port employs a stainless steel needle inserted into a mating hole aligned to an embedded microchannel, with an interference fit used to increase pressure resistance. Alternately, a self-tapping threaded needle screwed into a mating hole is also demonstrated. In both cases, the flat bottom needle ports seat directly against the microchannel substrate, ensuring low interfacial dead volumes. Low dispersion is observed for dye bands passing the interfaces. The needle ports offer sufficient pull-out forces for applications such as liquid chromatography that require high internal fluid pressures, with the epoxy-free interfaces compatible with internal microchannel pressures above 40 MPa.

Effect of introducing the naked neck gene in a line selected for low residual feed consumption on performance in temperate or subtropical environments

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of combining the naked neck gene with a genetic background that has been optimized for feed efficiency of laying hens at moderate temperature. In 1997, the naked neck gene was introduced into a line selected for low residual feed intake. In 2003, after 6 generations of introgression, 8 males and 56 females heterozygous for the NA*NA mutation were used to generate all 3 genotypes (NA*N/NA*N, NA*NA/NA*N, NA*NA/NA*NA), in 2 hatches, for rearing in Taiwan and France, respectively, at 3-wk intervals. Growth performance, anatomical traits, laying traits, and feed efficiency were recorded in each country. In addition, comb and rectal temperatures were measured in Taiwan. Performance was generally lower and mortality of laying hens was higher in Taiwan (11%) than in France (1%). Genotype x environment interactions were rare: genotype x environment was observed only for body weight at 10 wk of age and was close to significance for egg weight. The laying performance was significantly decreased in Taiwan by about 25%. The naked neck genotype had a negative effect on body weight and a positive effect of clutch length and egg weight. It also affected heat dissipation traits such as wattle length and rectal and surface temperature measurements. There was a clear additive and negative effect of the NA*NA mutation on rectal temperature. Feed intake and residual feed intake were increased in the homozygous carriers of the NA*NA mutation, which may improve heat tolerance of the low residual feed consumption (R-) line. Feed efficiency tended to be better in NA*NA/NA*NA hens in both environments. Thus, the introduction of the NA*NA mutation in the R- background appeared to be favorable from the viewpoint of feed efficiency, but it did not improve laying performance in a subtropical environment. Other factors than temperature, such as diet composition and lighting regimen, may be involved.

Luminal hydrochloric acid stimulates rapid transepithelial ion fluxes in rodent esophageal stratified squamous epithelium

It remains unclear whether enhanced ion fluxes occur in the esophageal stratified squamous epithelium upon acid exposure. Rat esophageal tissues devoid of submucosal glands displayed basal short-circuit current (Isc) of 5.03 +/- 1.93 microA/cm(2) and lumen-negative potential difference (PD) in association with net absorption of Na+ and Cl-, and secretion of HCO3(-). Luminal hydrochloric acid (HCl) challenge (pH = 1.6) triggered an acute rise of the Isc and increment of negative PD to seven-fold of baseline, which was diminished in HCO3(-)-free, but not Na+- free buffer. The rise of Isc was inhibited by pretreatment with di-isothiocyanatostilbene-2, 2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS) and 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA). Topical carbachol, capsaicin, forskolin or CFTR(inh)-172 had no effect on basal Isc.CFTR(inh)-172 did not reduce the acid-increased Isc. Functional ablation of capsaicin-sensitive nerves had no effect on the acid-induced Isc. The phenomenon of enhanced ion fluxes upon acid stimulation was confirmed in human esophageal specimens. Our results demonstrated that the mechanism of acid-induced rapid transepithelial ion fluxes is dependent on the presence of bicarbonate ions as well as functional anion transporters and Na+/H+ exchanger, but independent of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The capsaicin-sensitive and muscarinic-dependent nerve pathways did not play roles in the mechanism.

The apoptotic effect of nanosilver is mediated by a ROS- and JNK-dependent mechanism involving the mitochondrial pathway in NIH3T3 cells

Nanomaterials and nanoparticles have received considerable attention recently because of their unique properties and diverse biotechnology and life sciences applications. Nanosilver products, which have well-known antimicrobial properties, have been used extensively in a range of medical settings. Despite the widespread use of nanosilver products, relatively few studies have been undertaken to determine the biological effects of nanosilver exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of nanosilver and to elucidate possible molecular mechanisms underlying the biological effects of nanosilver. Here, we show that nanosilver is cytotoxic, inducing apoptosis in NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. Treatment with nanosilver induced the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and translocation of Bax to mitochondria, indicating that nanosilver-mediated apoptosis is mitochondria-dependent. Nanosilver-induced apoptosis was associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and JNK activation, and inhibition of either ROS or JNK attenuated nanosilver-induced apoptosis. In nanosilver-resistant HCT116 cells, up-regulation of the anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 appeared to be associated with a diminished apoptotic response. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence for a molecular mechanism of nanosilver cytotoxicity, showing that nanosilver acts through ROS and JNK to induce apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway.

[The study on the preparation and spectroscopic properties of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin/glipizide inclusion complex]

The interaction of glipizide and hydroxypropyl-pcyclodextrin was investigated in the present paper. The stability constant and molar ratio of glipizide and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin was calculated from the phase soluility diagram. The solid state inclusion complex of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin/glipizide prepared by neutralization method was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the phase solubility diagram of the HP-beta-CD solution showed a typical AL-type, suggesting the formation of a soluble complex of 1 : 1 molar ratio, and the stability constant was 359 L x mol(-1) at 25 degrees C. The spectra of IR, thermograph of DSC and XRD pattern of the inclusion complex were remarkably different from the glipizide and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin/glipizide physical mixture, and indicated that hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin/glipizide inclusion complex displayed amorphous characteristic. The experiment of solubility of inclusion complex indicated that the solubility of inclusion complex increased 25-fold.

Translocation of pancreatic juice after ischemia and reperfusion of the intestines and the effects of gabexate mesilate (FOY) in rats

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate pancreatic juice translocation after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).

METHODS

Ischemia was induced by clamping the rat SMA for 40 minutes, after which flow was restored and the SMA reperfused for 300 minutes. The blood levels of amylase and lipase were measured to reflect the dislocation of pancreatic juice. Organ injury parameters, such as the blood concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, creatinine kinase, and creatinine and the lung weight/body weight ratio were measured as well as inflammatory parameters such as tumor necrosis factor, hydroxyl radical, and nitric oxide levels.

RESULTS

Organ injury and inflammatory parameters all increased significantly after I/R. Reperfusion of the intestine also induced a significant increase in the levels of pancreatic juice in the blood. After administration of the enzyme inhibitor, gabexate mesilate (FOY; 10 mg/kg), by injection into the duodenum, organ injury was significantly attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that I/R of the SMA induced multiple organ injuries that appeared to be dependent on the translocation of pancreatic enzymes.

Facile synthetic route to enantiopure unsymmetriccis-2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines

The (+/-)-cis-5-arylcarbamoyl-2-ethoxycarbonylpyrrolidines 6a-g were firstly synthesized in 53-64% yields by using meso-diethyl-2,5-dibromoadipate 3 and (S)-(-)-1-phenylethylamine in three steps. The diastereomeric mixture (S;2S,5R)-(-)-7 and (S;2R,5S)-(+)-8 were prepared by the Grignard reaction and separated by a flash column chromatography in 29 and 52% yields. The absolute configurations of (+)-8 was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis and the enantiopure pyrrolidines (2S,5R)-(-)-9/(2R,5S)-(+)-9 and (2S,5R)-(-)-10/(2R,5S)-(+)-10 were obtained in good yields.

Expressed transcripts associated with high rates of egg production in chicken ovarian follicles

The purpose of this study was to characterize differentially expressed transcripts associated with varying rates of egg production in Taiwan country chickens. Ovarian follicles were isolated from two strains of chicken which showed low (B) or high (L2) rates of egg production, then processed for RNA extraction and cDNA library construction. Three thousand and eight forty clones were randomly selected from the cDNA library and amplified by PCR, then used in microarray analysis. Differentially expressed transcripts (P<0.05, log(2)> or = 1.75) were sequenced, and aligned using GenBank. This analysis revealed 20 non-redundant sequences which corresponded to known transcripts. Eight transcripts were expressed at a higher level in ovarian tissue prepared from chicken strain B, and 12 transcripts were expressed at a higher level in L2 birds. These differential patterns of expression were confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. We show that transcripts of cyclin B2 (cycB2), ferritin heavy polypeptide 1 (FTH1), Gag-Pol polyprotein, thymosin beta4 (TB4) and elongation factor 1 alpha1 (EEF1A1) were enriched in B strain ovarian follicles. In contrast, thioredoxin (TXN), acetyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain (ACADL), inhibitor of growth family member 4 (ING4) and annexin II (ANXA2) were expressed in at higher levels in the L2 strain. We suggest that our approach may lead to the isolation of effective molecular markers that can be used in selection programs in Taiwan country chickens.

Ischemia/Reperfusion of the Liver Induces Heart Injury in Rats

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the cardiovascular injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) of the liver by measuring changes in blood levels of cardiac troponin I (cTNI), an index of cardiovascular injury, as well as levels of selected indicators of an inflammatory response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ischemia was induced in the rat liver by clamping the common hepatic artery and portal vein for 40 minutes, after which flow was restored, and the liver reperfused for 90 minutes. Blood samples were collected prior to ischemia and after reperfusion. cTNI as well as levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), hydroxyl radical (.OH), nitric oxide (NO), and alanine transferase (ALT) were measured.

RESULTS

I/R of the liver induced a significant increase in ALT (P<.001). Increased cTNI levels (P<.05) were associated with inflammatory responses, such as elevated levels of TNFalpha (P<.001), . OH (P<.001), and NO (P<.001). After administration of 3-aminobenzamide, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, liver and heart injuries were significantly attenuated (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

I/R-induced liver injury was associated with cardiovascular injury, perhaps resulting from inflammatory responses triggered by elevated levels of reactive radical species of nitric oxide, superoxide, and peroxynitrite, by which PARP was activated. 3-Aminobenzamide, significantly attenuated I/R-induced liver and heart injuries.

Reperfusion Liver Injury—Induced Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Expressions and the Protective Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine

AIM

Reperfusion of the ischemic liver results in the generation of oxygen radicals. In this study, we analyzed if the mRNA and protein expressions of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase increased after ischemia (I) and reperfusion (R) of the rat liver.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ischemia was induced by clamping off the common hepatic artery and portal vein of rats for 40 minutes, which were then reperfused for 90 minutes. Blood samples collected prior to I and after R were analyzed for hydroxyl radical (.OH), nitric oxide (NO), and alanine transferase (ALT). Liver tissues were used to analyze the SOD and catalase mRNA and protein expressions by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

RESULTS

The results showed that this protocol resulted in elevation of the blood ALT, NO, and .OH levels (P<.001). mRNA (P<.01) and protein expressions (P<.05) of SOD and catalase were all increased. Pretreatment with antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine, attenuated the liver injury.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that reperfusion of the ischemic liver induced antioxidant enzymes expressions so that oxygen radicals are scavenged. Oxygen radical scavenger could further attenuate the I/R-induced liver injury.

Reperfusion liver injury induces down-regulation of eNOS and up-regulation of iNOS in lung tissues

OBJECTIVES

Acute lung injury and inflammation can occur after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Little is known regarding the possible role of nitric oxide synthase expression in this complex type of lung injury.

METHODS

Real-time polymerase chain reactions and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression of eNOS and iNOS in lung tissue after I/R challenge to the liver. Ischemia was induced by clamping the hepatic artery and portal vein for 40 minutes. After flow was restored, the liver was reperfused for 300 minutes. Blood samples were collected to assay three inflammatory parameters: tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, hydroxyl radicals, and NO. Lung lavage samples were assayed for protein and myeloperoxidase. The expression of eNOS and iNOS in lung tissues (n = 3) was also evaluated after I/R challenge to the liver. The iNOS inhibitor aminoguanidine was also tested in this I/R model.

RESULTS

Reperfusion of the liver produced increased blood concentrations of TNF, hydroxyl radicals, and NO (P < .001; n = 8). Bronchial lavage fluids showed higher levels of protein and myeloperoxidase in the I/R than in the sham-treated group (P < .01). eNOS expression was down-regulated and iNOS expression up-regulated in I/R lung tissues (n = 3). The iNOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (10 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the lung injury.

CONCLUSIONS

I/R injury to the liver induced lung injury involving systemic inflammatory responses and iNOS expression. Administration of aminoguanidine significantly attenuated the injury, suggesting that iNOS expression may play a critical role in lung injury induced by I/R of the liver.