[Characteristics and related factors of viral nucleic acid negative conversion in children infected with Omicron variant strain of SARS-CoV-2]

Objective: To understand the characteristics and associated factors of viral nucleic acid conversion in children infected with Omicron variant strain of SARS-CoV-2 in Shanghai. Methods: The clinical symptoms, laboratory results and other data of 177 children infected with SARS-CoV-2 who were hospitalized in Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (designated hospital for SARS-CoV-2 infection in Shanghai) from April 25 to June 8, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the chest imaging findings, the children were divided into mild and common type groups. According to their age, the unvaccinated children were divided into<3 years old group and 3-<18 years old group. According to the vaccination status, the children aged 3-<18 year were divided into non-vaccination group, 1-dose vaccination group and 2-dose vaccination group. Comparison between groups was performed by independent sample t-test and analysis of variance, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Among the 177 children infected with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, 96 were males and 81 were females, aged 3 (1, 6) years. The time of viral nucleic acid negative conversion was (10.3±3.1) days. The 177 children were 138 cases of mild type and 39 cases of common type. Among the children aged 3-<18 years old, 55 cases were not vaccinated, 5 cases received 1-dose and 36 cases received 2-dose vaccination. Among the 36 children who received 2 doses of vaccination, the time of viral nucleic acid negative conversion was shorter in those vaccinated within 6 months than those over 6 months ((7.1±1.9) vs. (10.8±3.0) d, t=-3.23, P=0.004). Univariate analysis showed that the time of nucleic acid negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 was associated with age, underlying diseases, gastrointestinal symptoms, white blood cell count, proportion of neutrophils, proportion of lymphocytes, and the number of doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (t=3.87, 2.55, 2.04, 4.24, 3.51, 2.92, F=16.27, all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that older age (β=-0.33, 95% CI -0.485--0.182, P<0.001) and more doses of vaccination (β=-0.79, 95% CI -1.463--0.120, P=0.021) were associated with shortened nucleic acid negative conversion time in children, while lower lymphocyte proportion (β=-0.02, 95% CI -0.044--0.002, P=0.031) and underlying diseases (β=1.52, 95% CI 0.363-2.672, P=0.010) were associated with prolonged nucleic acid negative conversion time in children. Conclusion: The children infected with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 with reduced lymphocyte proportion and underlying diseases may have longer time of viral nucleic acid negative conversion,while children with older age and more doses of vaccination may have shorter time of viral nucleic acid negative conversion.

[Clinical outcomes of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach assisted with submental mini-incision for early thyroid papillary carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) assisted with submental mini-incision in early thyroid papillary carcinoma. Methods: A total of 63 patients with early papillary thyroid carcinoma (cT1N0M0) were included who underwent TOETVA from December 2019 to May 2021 in Department of Thyroid Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University. There were 4 males and 59 females, aged from 17 to 46 years old. Of those 36 patients received traditional TOETVA as control and 27 patients accepted modified TOETVA assisted with submental mini-incision. The clinical outcomes of patients in two groups were compared. Chi-square test and t test were used in statistical analyses. Results: Compared to control group, modified TOETVA group had the less mean operation time [(146.63±38.62) minutes vs. (167.78±36.71) minutes, t=-2.21, P=0.031], the shorter time required for returning to normal diet after operation [(2.11±0.89) days vs. (2.72±1.16) days, t=-2.28, P=0.026], and the lower probability of mandibular numbness (0 vs. 16.67%, χ²=4.97, P=0.026). There was no significant difference between two groups in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, number of central lymph nodes dissection, and postoperative complications such as gas embolism, postoperative bleeding, postoperative infection, skin burns, subcutaneous effusion and so on(all P>0.05). After 6 months of operation, the thyroid ultrasound of the patients in two groups showed no recurrence, and the patients were satisfied with their surgical incision appearances. Conclusion: Both the modified and traditional TOETVA show similar efficacies for treatments of early thyroid papillary carcinoma, but the modified TOETVA can reduce the operation time and improve the quality of life.

[Autopsies and placental examinations of perinatal fetal deaths: a clinicopathological analysis of 105 cases]

Objective: To summarize the clinicopathological factors related to perinatal fetal death and to evaluate importance of fetal autopsy and placental pathology. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 105 perinatal fetal deaths in Beijing Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital from November 2012 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Relevant literature was also reviewed. Results: The maternal age of the deceased fetuses ranged from 22 to 43 years with the average (31.35±4.04 years), and the gestational weeks were 28-40⁺⁶ weeks. Among them, 101 were singleton cases and 4 twin cases. 103 fetuses died in uterus and 2 died during delivery. Relevant factors analysis of the 105 perinatal fetal deaths showed that 86 cases (81.9%, 86/105) were related to umbilical cord/placental abnormality, 10 cases (9.5%, 10/105) uterine infection, 6 cases (5.7%, 6/105) fetal factors, 1 case was fetal maternal blood transfusion syndrome, 1 case twin blood transfusion syndrome, and 1 case died of complete uterine rupture. Among the 86 cases related to umbilical cord/placental abnormality, the diagnosis was most often based on the gross examination of placenta. The most common cause of death was umbilical cord torsion with thin root, followed by placental abruption, tight umbilical cord winding, vascular rupture and umbilical cord true knot. The morphology of placenta revealed mainly functional changes. Among the 10 cases related to intrauterine infections, the placenta generally showed lobular placental edema. The morphological characteristics of ascending infection were mainly acute chorioamnionitis, and the morphological characteristics of blood-borne infection were mainly acute or chronic villitis, as well as villous interstitial inflammation. Identification of viral inclusions suggested viral etiology, while the final diagnosis was relied on laboratory testing. Among the 6 cases related to fetal abnormality, the diagnostic value of placenta was limited and the diagnosis could be made with fetal autopsy. Conclusion: The causes of perinatal fetal death are complex, diverse, and often the synergistic result of multiple factors. Fetal autopsy and placental pathology are the key technical means to identify the cause of death and deserve more attention and utilization.

SNHG15, a p53-regulated lncRNA, suppresses cisplatin-induced apoptosis and ROS accumulation through the miR-335-3p/ZNF32 axis

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) is upregulated in many malignancies and mediates the development of multiple cancers, including osteosarcoma (OS). However, data on the regulatory mechanisms and role of SNHG15 in the chemoresistance of OS remain scarce. Here, we show that p53 binds to the SNHG15 promoter, leading to decreased SNHG15 expression. Decreased SNHG15 expression promotes cisplatin-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in OS cells. Furthermore, SNHG15 sponges and inhibits the activity of endogenous miR-335-3p, leading to the upregulation of zinc finger protein 32 (ZNF32). Taken together, these findings reveal that p53 downregulates SNHG15 expression in OS. In addition, SNHG15 suppresses cisplatin-induced apoptosis and ROS accumulation through the miR-335-3p/ZNF32 pathway.

[Singleton placentas with abnormal shape: a clinicopathological analysis of 130 cases]

Objective: To investigate the pathological characteristics of singleton placenta with abnormal shape and its influence on the outcome of maternal-fetal pregnancy. Methods: The clinicopathological data of singleton placentas with abnormal shape from January 2014 to December 2020 in the Department of Pathology, Haidian Maternal and Children Health Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 130 singleton placentas with abnormal shape in this cohort, including 48 succenturiate placentas, 12 bilobed placentas, 50 marginate placentas, 13 circumvallate placentas, 3 annular placentas, 2 membranous placentas and 2 fenestrated placentas. Gestational age ranged from 29⁺⁵ to 40⁺⁴ weeks. There were 51 cases of premature rupture of membranes, 11 cases of placenta previa, 5 cases of placental abruption, 15 cases of placental adhesion/implantation and 27 cases of postpartum hemorrhage. There were 46 preterm fetuses,28 fetuses with fetal growth restriction, 22 fetuses with intrauterine distress, and 1 fetus with intrauterine death. Grossly, the placental lobules of succenturiate placentas had apparent size difference, while two lobules of bilobate placenta were more consistent. The chorionic plate size was smaller than the bottom plate of circumvallate placenta, the folded fetal membrane in the rim of placenta was thickened (termed marginate placenta if there was no thickening). The membranous placenta was characterized by a thin, large membrane-like shape. Annular placenta showed characteristic hollow cylinder, ring or horseshoe-shape. Fenestrated placenta was characterized by tissue defects near central area. Microscopically, functional/morphologic changes were the main manifestations of inadequate maternal-fetal perfusion, including villous infarction, distal villous dysplasia and excessive villous maturation. Conclusions: The abnormal shaped singleton placentas showed variable extent of inadequate maternal-fetal perfusion, which may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature delivery, fetal growth restriction, intrauterine distress or fetal death.

[The diagnostic performance of 2020 Chinese Ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System in thyroid nodules]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Chinese Ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (C-TIRADS) in thyroid nodules,and to compare it with the TIRADS proposed by Kwak et al. (K-TIRADS) and the TIRADS proposed by the American College of Radiology (ACR-TIRADS). Methods: The data of 1 750 patients with 2 029 thyroid nodules in the Department of Thyroid Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from January 2018 to November 2020 was retrospectively collected. Among them, there were 328 males and 1 422 females,aged from 6 to 86 with an average of (47±12) years. The nodules were divided into≤1.0 cm group(n=997) and>1.0 cm group(n=1 032)based on the size of the nodules. The stratification for malignant risk and the determination of benign or malignancy of the nodules was evaluated using the C-TIRADS, K-TIRADS and ACR-TIRADS, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve analysis was performed to compare the diagnostic performance of the aforementioned three kinds of TIRADS using pathological results as the referent standard. Results: The optimal diagnosis points in the determination of malignant nodules of C-TIRADS, K-TIRADS and ACR-TIRADS in the two groups were 4A, 4b and 4 respectively according to ROC curve analysis. For the diagnosis of the malignant nodules, the C-TIRADS achieved with an AUC value of 0.772 and 0.892 in the ≤1.0 cm group and>1.0 cm group, respectively, which was significantly higher than K-TIRADS (AUC= 0.762 and 0.869, respectively) and ACR-TIRADS (AUC= 0.735 and 0.832, respectively) (P<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of C-TIRADS were 94.99%, 59.41%, 86.46%, 88.13%, 78.89% (≤1.0 cm group)and 88.34%, 90.05%, 89.34%, 86.33%, 91.57%(>1.0 cm group), respectively. C-TIRADS had the highest sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive value in the determination of malignant nodules in both groups compared to the other two kinds of TIRADS. Conclusions: The three kinds of TIRADS all have high diagnostic performance for the determination of the malignant nodules, and the C-TIRADS has the best overall efficacy, which can effectively assist clinicians for medical decision, and is worth to be popularized and applied in the clinical setting.

[Analysis of early recurrence within 6 months in patients of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery]

Objectives: To examine the prognosis factors of recurrence of esophageal carcinoma within 6 months after neoadjuvant therapy followd by surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 187 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant therapy followed by curative esophagectomy between January 2018 and April 2020 at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. There were 160 males and 27 females, aging (63.0±7.1) years (range:43 to 76 years). The t test, χ2 test and rank-sum test were used for univariate analysis of the prognosis factors for recurrence within 6 months postoperative, while the Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results: There were 30 patients (16.0%) developed recurrence within 6 months after operation, including local recurrence in 1 case, regional recurrence in 11 cases, hematogenous recurrence in 13 cases, and combined recurrence in 5 cases. Univariate analysis suggested that there was a significant difference in T staging of tumor before neoadjuvant therapy (cT), tumor regression grade, circumferential resection margin, pathological T stage (ypT) and pathological N stage (ypN) between the recurrence patients and non-recurrence patients (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis suggested that the cT3-4 (OR=2.701, 95%CI: 1.161 to 6.329, P=0.021) and ypN(+)(OR=1.654, 95%CI: 1.045 to 2.591, P=0.032) were the independent prognosis factors for recurrence within 6 months. Conclusion: The combination of neoadjuvant therapy and surgery is not effective in reducing early postoperative recurrence in patients who have invaded the epineurium before treatment, and still have positive lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy.

[Prone position thoracoscopic esophagectomy:preliminary experiences of thirty cases in Shanghai Chest Hospital]

Objective: To examine the safety and short-term outcomes of prone position thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Methods: Clinical data of consecutive thirty patients who accepted prone position thoracoscopic esophagectomy at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital between July and December 2020 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 25 males and 5 females, aging 65.5(29.0) years (M(QR))(range: 48 to 82 years). Patients with cT3-4a accounted for 73.3%(22/30) and cN(+) accounted for 43.4%(18/30). All the patients in this study had no serious comorbidity, accepted prone position thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Results: No conversion to thoracotomy occurred. The overall time of operation was 210 (105) minutes (range: 130 to 268 minutes), the time of thoracic procedures was 92 (46) minutes (range: 72 to 136 minutes), the time of abdominal procedures was 32 (14) minutes (range: 20 to 48 minutes), respectively. R0 resection accounted for 93.3%(28/30), the negative ratio of circumferential margin was 96.7%(29/30). The number of lymph nodes dissection was 21.5(7.2) (range: 16.0 to 28.0) in total, 12.0(6.5) (range: 9.0 to 18.0) in thoracic lymph nodes, 2.0(1.5) (range: 1.0 to 5.0) in left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes, and 1.0(1.0) (range: 1.0 to 3.0) in right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes, respectively. There was no perioperative death, and the overall postoperative complication rate was 43.3%(13/30). The incidence of anastomotic leakage was 10.0%(3/30), recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was 26.7%(8/30), and respiratory complication was 6.7%(2/30). The postoperative hospital stay was 10 (9) days (range: 5 to 42 days). Conclusion: Prone position thoracoscopic esophagectomy is safe and feasible, and the short-term outcomes is satisfactory.

[Preliminary results of Chinese magnetic sphincter augmentation in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Objective: To examine the preliminary clinical efficacy of Chinese magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: According to the enrollment criteria for the MSA developed by ShengJieKang Co. and Shanghai Chest Hospital (SS-MSA) clinical trial, a total of 19 GERD patients were treated with SS-MSA from August 2018 to January 2020 at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The majority of registered cases were male patients with age of (32.2±7.3) years (range: 22 to 50 years), height of (170.7±6.2) cm (range: 160 to 179 cm) and weight of (65.2±10.3) kg (range: 47.5 to 90.0 kg). SS-MSA was implanted via laparoscopy. The major evaluation indexs of postoperative efficacy were the total time of acid exposure within 24 hours and the total number of reflux. Secondary efficacy indicators included: (1) evaluation of the average daily dose of proton pump inhibitor medications; (2) the score of GERD health related quality of life questionnaire (GERD-Q) before and after MSA implantation. Paired design t-test was used to evaluate the efficacy of the SS-MSA. Results: A total of 19 patients underwent SS-MSA surgery successfully. The history of the GERD were 19 (54) months (M(Q(R))). The operation time was 63 (22) minutes and the in-hospital stay was 3 (2) days. No obvious surgical complications occurred. Postoperative adverse events included 14 cases with mild to moderate dysphagia exited after surgery, gradually eased within 1 to 3 months, 1 case with the removal of the device after 1 month of severe swallowing difficulties, 1 case of diarrhea. No corrosion, perforation, displacement occurred. The GERD-Q score (11.0(4.5) vs. 6(1.0), t=4.274, P=0.013), 24-hour acid exposure time (6.2(4.8)% vs. 0.1(0.9)%, t=5.814, P=0.004), and Demeester score (23.72(16.20) vs. 0.96(3.10), t=6.678, P=0.003) were significantly decreased 1 year after surgery(n=5). Proton pump inhibitor reuse rates were 6/18, 5/15, 3/10, and 1/5 in 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation, respectively. Conclusions: SS-MSA implantation is feasible and safe with short hospital stay and rare perioperative complications. The preliminary results is good after 1 year follow-up. It could be expected to be an ideal substitutive for future GERD treatment.

Antiviral activity of merimepodib against foot and mouth disease virus in vitro and in vivo

Foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), a member of family Picornaviridae, belongs to the genus Aphthovirus, which causes foot and mouth disease (FMD), a highly transmissible disease that affects cloven-hoof animals. In spite of the fact that efficient vaccines are available, effective antiviral molecules for FMD are needed to reduce viral infection during early stages of infection. In this study, merimepodib was found to efficiently inhibit FMDV replication in a dose-dependent manner. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of merimepodib antiviral activity against two distinct FMDV strains (O/MYA98/BY/2010 and A/GD/MM/CHA/2013) was estimated to be 7.859 and 2.876 μM, respectively, while the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) of merimepodib was found to be 47.74 μM. Furthermore, treatment with 30 μg merimepodib efficiently prolonged the survival time of suckling mice infected with FMDV. Taken together, these results suggested that merimepodib has the potential to be a novel antiviral agent against FMDV.

Relationship between the Degeneration and Regeneration of Neuromuscular Junction and Wound Age during the Repair of Mouse Skeletal Muscle Contusion

Abstract

Objective To investigate the morphological changes in the degeneration and regeneration of neuromuscular junctions （NMJ） during the repair of mouse skeletal muscle contusion and discuss the correlation between the degeneration and regeneration of NMJ and wound age. Methods A total of 50 healthy adult male mice were randomly divided into 10 groups, including 9 experimental groups and 1 control group. Immunofluorescent staining was applied, and neurofilament was marked with neurofilament protein-H （NF-H）, presynaptic membrane was marked with synaptophysin （Syn）, presynaptic membrane was marked with acetylcholine receptor （AChR）. Morphological changes of NMJ regeneration at different time points after mouse skeletal muscle contusion were detected. Results The neurofilament and presynaptic membrane of NMJ at the junction of contusion zones began to degrade after contusion, and completed degradation at about 3 d post-injury. Then they gradually regenerated, roughly completing the regeneration at about 21 d and basically reaching the control group level. The ratio of presynaptic membrane quantity to presynaptic membrane quantity showed a trend of decreasing then rising and finally reaching the control level. Conclusion During the repair of mouse skeletal muscle contusion, the morphological changes and wound age of the NMJ at the junction of contusion zones have a close correlation, which is expected to be one of the biological indicators for forensic skeletal muscle wound age estimation.

Relationship between Changes of Pericyte Number and Wound Age during Repair of Skeletal Muscle Contusion in Mice

Abstract

Objective To observe the change pattern of pericyte number at different time periods after mice skeletal muscle contusion and discuss its role in wound age estimation. Methods A mice gastrocnemius muscle contusion model was established. The form and number changes of pericytes at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, and 28 d post-injury were detected by multiple immunofluorescence staining. Results Compared with the slender shape of pericytes in normal skeletal muscles, pericytes in the contusion area had increased volume, rounder form and a round nuclei. Part of pericytes were found to express satellite cell markers paired-box transcription factor （Pax7） or myoblast determination 1 （MyoD1）. The changes of pericyte number in skeletal muscles after contusion were time-dependant, and showed unimodal distribution with the extension of wound age. In the central contusion area, the number of pericytes peaked at 5 d post-injury while in the peripheral contusion area, the number of pericytes peaked at 5 d and 7 d post-injury. Conclusion The number of pericytes in contusion area varies time-dependently after skeletal muscle contusion in mice and might be a reference index for muscle wound age estimation, and is involved in the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle injury.

Relationship between Expression Changes of CB2R and Wound Age of Brain Contusion in Mice

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of cannabinoid type 2 receptor （CB2R） at different time points after brain contusion and its relationship with wound age of mice. Methods A mouse brain contusion model was established with PCI3000 Precision Cortical Impactor. Expression changes of CB2R around the injured area were detected with immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting at different time points. Results Immunohistochemical staining results showed that only a few cells in the cerebral cortex of the sham operated group had CB2R positive expression. The ratio of CB2R positive cells gradually increased after injury and reached the peak twice at 12 h and 7 d post-injury, followed by a decrease to the normal level 28 d post-injury. The results of Western blotting were consistent with the immunohistochemical staining results. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that the changes of the ratio of CB2R positive cells in neurons, CB2R positive cells in monocytes and CB2R positive cells in astrocytes to the total cell number showed a single peak pattern, which peaked at 12 h, 1 d and 7 d post-injury, respectively. Conclusion The expression of CB2R after brain contusion in neurons, monocytes and astrocytes in mice suggests that it is likely to be involved in the regulation of the biological functions of those cells. The changes in CB2R are time-dependent, which suggests its potential applicability as a biological indicator for wound age estimation of brain contusion in forensic practice.

Antiviral activity of brequinar against foot-and-mouth disease virus infection in vitro and in vivo

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most highly contagious animal disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. However, the FMD vaccine does not provide effective protection until adaptive immune protection elicited by the vaccination occurs. Therefore, an alternative application of antiviral agents for inhibition of the FMD virus (FMDV) is needed. Here, we demonstrated that brequinar could exhibit antiviral activity in swine kidney cells (IBRS-2 cells) infected with two different FMDV serotypes. Subsequently, in vivo activity of brequinar was confirmed in a mouse model of infection. Specifically, brequinar at a concentration of 50 μg, provided 25% protection for 5 days following FMDV challenge. These results suggested that brequinar could be used as effective antiviral agent against FMD.

In Vitro and in Vivo Antiviral Activity of Mizoribine Against Foot-And-Mouth Disease Virus

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals, which has significant economic consequences in affected countries. As the currently available vaccines against FMD provide no protection until 4–7 days post-vaccination, the only alternative method to control the spread of FMD virus (FMDV) during outbreaks is the application of antiviral agents. Hence, it is important to identify effective antiviral agents against FMDV infection. In this study, we found that mizoribine has potent antiviral activity against FMDV replication in IBRS-2 cells. A time-of-drug-addition assay demonstrated that mizoribine functions at the early stage of replication. Moreover, mizoribine also showed antiviral effect on FMDV in vivo. In summary, these results revealed that mizoribine could be a potential antiviral drug against FMDV.

[Experiences of esophageal replacement with ileocolon graft: a series of 34 cases]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of esophageal replacement with ileocolon graft. Methods: Totally 34 cases of esophageal replacement with ileocolon graft from July 2015 to November 2017 at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University were analyzed retrospectively, including 24 male and 10 female, aging from 7 to 72 years old. Esophageal replacement with ileocolon graft by right and/or middle colic artery as a blood supply using retrosternal route except one subcutaneous route. The primary esophageal disease, postoperative complication rate and quality of life were analyzed. Results: The overall postoperative complication rate was 23.5% (8/34), cervical anastomotic leakage rate of 5.9% (2/34), necrosis of colon graft of 5.9% (2/34). There were 3 patients experienced re-operation including 2 patients with colon graft necrosis and 1 patient with intestinal obstruction after ERC. One patient with colon graft necrosis died of septic shock after reoperation. Six cases of cervical esophago-jejunal anastomosis stenosis and 1 case of diarrhea occurred in the later time. All patients were followed up for a median time of 9 months (range: 1 to 28 months), 32 cases survived but 1 patient died until last follow-up by the end of December 2017. Conclusion: Esophageal replacement with ileocolon graft by right and/or middle colic artery as a blood supply using retrosternal route was safe and effective.

[Association between elective cesarean section and infants' developmental behaviors: a cohort study]

Objective: To investigate the effect of elective cesarean section (ECS) on infants' developmental behaviors. Methods: A total of 3 474 pregnant women living in Ma'anshan more than 6 months and accepting obstetric examination in Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Care Center were recruited from May 2013 to September 2014. Excluding participants with pregnancy termination (162), twin pregnancy (39), assisted delivery (14), emergency cesarean section (76) and unclear delivery mode (141), 3 042 pair of mother and infant entered the final analysis. Information of maternal basic demographic characteristics, pregnancy histories, pregnancy life style and pregnancy-related diseases were collected by using self-complied Maternal and Child Health Questionnaire. Information of infants' general condition and delivery modes were acquired from obstetric record. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires-third edition was used to assess infants' communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and person-social function, which was completed at age of 6 months old and 18 months old, respectively. And multi-factor non-conditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between ECS and infants' developmental behaviors. Results: The prevalence of ECS was 47.5% (1 443/3 042), among which ECS without medical indication and ECS with medical indication were 27.2% (826/3 042) and 20.3% (617/3 042), respectively. After maternal demographic characteristics, pregnant exposure and infants' basic information adjusted, compared to women with vaginal delivery, both ECS with medical indication and without medical indication increased the risk of a delay in gross motor on infants at 6 months old (RR (95%CI: 1.72 (1.08-2.77) and 1.87 (1.11-3.15), respectively.) ECS without indication decreased the risk of a delay in fine motor on infants at 6 months old (RR (95%CI):0.48 (0.28-0.82)), both ECS without medical indication and with medical indication had no statistically significant effect on 18 months infants' communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and person-social function, the RR (95%CI) for ECS without medical indication were 0.86 (0.43-1.74), 1.55 (0.86-2.78), 0.74 (0.49-1.15), 1.10 (0.68-1.78) and 1.17 (0.66-2.08), respectively; and the RR (95%CI) for ECS with medical indication were 0.33 (0.12-1.02), 1.10 (0.55-2.21), 0.79 (0.48-1.29), 0.58 (0.29-1.13) and 1.48 (0.78-2.81), respectively. Conclusion: ECS affected motor development in infants at the age of 6 months old, and no influence was found in infants at the age of 18 months old.

Continuous blood purification in children with severe sepsis

This study aims to analyse the clinical effects of continuous blood purification (CBP) in children with severe sepsis to form a basis for CBP application in this context. One hundred and twenty children with severe sepsis treated in Binzhou People’s Hospital, Shandong, China, from June 2013 to June 2014 were divided into two groups, a treatment and a control group, depending on parental preference. The control group was treated conventionally, and the treatment group underwent CBP in addition to conventional therapy. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were measured on admission and after 72 h. This study also assayed interleukin (IL)-8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels, and monitored clinical outcomes and prognosis. The cardiovascular and respiratory parameters of the treatment group improved to a significantly greater extent than did those of the control group (all P less than 0.05). After treatment, the levels of IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α declined in both groups, but more so in the treatment group (all P<0.05). The white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level fell more in the treatment than control group, with statistical significance (both P less than 0.05). CBP remarkably improved the cardiovascular and respiratory functions of children with severe sepsis, probably by eliminating factors mediating inflammation.

[Value of fragmented QRS wave in evaluating the prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease]

Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate the predictive value of fragmented QRS wave ( fQRS) for the prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: A total of 714 consecutive patients with confirmed CHD were included from Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of PLA between January 2013 and January 2014, and were divided into fQRS group and non-fQRS group based on the presence of fQRS wave or not according to Electrocardiograph (ECG). The baseline, ECG characteristic value, the echocardiography results of the patients were compared between the two groups. Cardiac events were recorded in all patients during 12 months' follow-up. Subgroup analysis was also conducted among patients with abnormal Q wave to investigate the association between fQRS and cardiovascular events. Results: A total of 673 patients completed the follow-up, with 533 in fQRS group and 140 in non-fQRS group. The P wave duration in the fQRS group was longer than non-fQRS group [(92±21) vs (82±23)ms, P<0.01]. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) value in the fQRS group was lower than non-fQRS group (42%±22% vs 49%±15%, P<0.01) according to echocardiography results. The subgroup analysis with abnormal Q wave showed that compared with non-fQRS group, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) value in the group of fQRS was lower (38%±21% vs 50%±7%, P<0.01). There was statistically significant in the mortality of patients within follow-up period between the two groups (P<0.05), and the survival time in fQRS group was shorter than the non-fQRS group [(28.3±3.4) vs (30.5±1.5)months, P<0.01]. Conclusion: FQRS presence in body surface ECG of CHD patients with abnormal Q wave is a sign for increased risk of cardiovascular events, which can serve as an indicator to identify CHD patients at high risk of death.

Nickel oxide nanoparticles induced pulmonary fibrosis via TGF-β1 activation in rats

Nano nickel oxide (NiO), widely used in industry, has recently been discovered to have pulmonary toxicity. However, no subchronic exposure studies about nano NiO-induced pulmonary fibrosis have been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate pulmonary fibrosis induced by nano NiO and its potential mechanism in rats. Male Wistar rats ( n = 40, 200–240 g) were randomized into control group, nano NiO groups (0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg/kg), and micro NiO group (0.024 mg/kg). All rats were killed to collect lung tissue after intratracheal instillation of NiO particles twice a week for 6 weeks. To identify pulmonary fibrosis, Masson trichrome staining, hydroxyproline content, and collagen protein expression were performed. The results showed widespread lung fibrotic injury in histological examination and increased content of hydroxyproline, collagen types I and III in rat lung tissue exposed to nano NiO. To explore the potential pulmonary fibrosis mechanism, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF- β1) content was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the messenger RNA expression of key indicators was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The TGF- β1 content was increased in nano NiO exposure groups, as well as the upregulated gene expression of TGF- β1, Smad2, Smad4, matrix metalloproteinase, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase. The findings indicated that nano NiO could induce pulmonary fibrosis, which may be related to TGF- β1 activation.

Analysis of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 gene mutations in neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia

This study was carried out to analyze uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) gene mutations in neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, from two different ethnic groups. Polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing were used to analyze the differences in genotypes and allele frequencies of different gene mutations among the ethnic groups; this was followed by checking their correlation with the serum bilirubin level and the occurrence of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in neonates. Our results reveal that the UGT1A1 mutant genotype, 211G>A, is distributed differently in the case vs control groups, as well as in the Zhuang vs Han ethnic groups. Moreover, this difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05); the total serum bilirubin (TSB) and unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) levels in patients carrying the single homozygous mutation, 211G>A, were markedly higher than that in patients without the mutation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the TSB and UCB levels were significantly different between patients carrying single or compound 211G>A heterozygous mutation, (TA)6/7, and 1941C>G/2042C>G heterozygous mutation, and patients without mutation (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that the 211G>A mutation in the first exon may be a risk factor for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in Zhuang and Han neonates. The serum bilirubin levels seem to be affected by the homozygosity or heterozygosity of the UGT1A1 gene mutation; 211G>A homozygous mutation is an important factor that causes a rise in bilirubin in neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

Treatment of infantile subglottic hemangioma with oral propranolol

Infantile subglottic hemangioma (SH) can cause biphasic stridor, respiratory distress and even life-threatening airway compromise. Treatment of SH in infants has traditionally been characterized as a challenging situation with multiple therapeutic options without consensus as to which one is the best and with risks of severe side-effects. Four infants with SH were treated with propranolol. Treatment with oral propranolol resulted in resolution of symptoms within 2 days, followed by complete recovery. Propranolol appears to be an effective treatment for SH and should be used as a first-line treatment for SH when intervention is required.

Characteristics and clinical significance of lymph node metastases near the recurrent laryngeal nerve from thoracic esophageal carcinoma

This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of lymph node (LN) metastases from thoracic esophageal carcinoma near the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the influence of these metastases on patient prognosis and to determine the reasonable regional LN dissection range. The clinical data from 120 patients who underwent resection for thoracic esophageal carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. LN metastases near the recurrent laryngeal nerve were detected in 34.2% of the cases, and the metastasis rates in the left and right LNs near the recurrent laryngeal nerve were 20.8 and 15.8%, respectively. The primary tumor site (metastasis rates for esophageal cancer in the upper thoracic segment vs chest or lower thoracic segment: 60.0 vs 40.3 or 15.8%, respectively; P < 0.01), tumor differentiation (poorly differentiated vs well differentiated or differentiated: 56.0 vs 22.0 or 35.6%, respectively; P < 0.05), and tumor invasion depth (T3 and T4 vs T1 and T2: 42.9 and 50.0% vs 8.33 and 14.3%, respectively; P < 0.01) were factors that significantly influenced LN metastasis near the recurrent laryngeal nerve LN metastases near the recurrent laryngeal nerve were associated with cervical LN metastasis. The 3-year survival rate of patients with LN metastasis near the recurrent laryngeal nerve was much lower than that of patients with other LN metastases (29.3 vs 58.2%; P < 0.05). In thoracic esophageal carcinoma cases, LNs near the recurrent laryngeal nerve should be resected. This could improve the patient prognosis and reduce the incidence of postoperative local recurrence.

Expression and purification of GST-FHL2 fusion protein

Escherichia coli is the most widely used host for the production of recombinant proteins. However, most eukaryotic proteins are typically obtained as insoluble, misfolded inclusion bodies that need solubilization and refolding. The interactions between human FHL2 protein and many types of proteins, including structural proteins, kinases, and several classes of transcription factor, have been found to have important roles in a variety of fundamental processes, including arrhythmia, hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, and angiogenesis. To achieve high-level expression of soluble recombinant human FHL2 protein in E. coli, we have constructed a recombinant expression plasmid, pGEX-4T-1-FHL2, in which we merged FHL2 cDNA with the glutathione S-transferase (GST) coding sequence downstream of the tac inducible promoter. Using this plasmid, we have achieved high expression of soluble FHL2 as a GST fusion protein in E. coli BL21. We have used the engineered plasmid (pGEX-4T-1-FHL2) and the modified E. coli strain to overcome the problem of removing the GST moiety while expressing soluble FHL2. Our results show that: 1) the recombinant plasmid was successfully constructed. Sequencing results showed that FHL2 and GST are in the same reading frame; 2) at 23°C, soluble GST-FHL2 fusion protein was highly expressed after induction with 0.1 mM IPTG; and 3) GST-FHL2 can be detected by Western blotting using mouse monoclonal anti-GST antibody. Our data are the first to show that high yields of soluble FHL2 tagged with GST can be achieved in E.coli.

Identification of UV-B-induced microRNAs in wheat

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation and act as important endogenous regulators to various stressors. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is a major factor influencing crop growth and development. In this study, we isolated a novel wheat miRNA, named Tae-miR6000, and confirmed its expression diversity after UV-B treatments. Additionally, using the Northern blotting technique, we found that six miRNAs were highly responsive to UV-B stress in wheat. Of these six miRNAs, miR159, miR167a, and miR171 were significantly upregulated, and the remaining three miRNAs were downregulated, at different time points after UV-B treatment. This result indicates that miRNAs may be involved in the regulation of targets after induction by UV-B stress. Furthermore, promoter analysis of the UV-B-responsive miRNA genes revealed some light-relevant cis-elements, such as the I-box and G-box. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that wheat miRNAs play important roles in the response to UV-B stress.

Partial hepatectomy for ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Improvements in surgical technique and perioperative care have made partial hepatectomy a safe and effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even in the event of spontaneous HCC rupture.

METHODS

A consecutive cohort of patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for HCC between 2000 and 2009 was divided into a ruptured group and a non-ruptured group. Patients with ruptured HCC were further divided into emergency and staged hepatectomy subgroups. Mortality and morbidity, overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared. Prognostic factors for overall survival and RFS were identified by univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1233 patients underwent partial hepatectomy for HCC, of whom 143 had a ruptured tumour. The morbidity and mortality rates were similar in the ruptured and non-ruptured groups, as well as in the emergency and staged subgroups. In univariable analyses, overall survival and RFS were lower in the ruptured group than in the non-ruptured group (both P < 0·001), and also in the emergency subgroup compared with the staged subgroup (P = 0·016 and P = 0·025 respectively). In multivariable analysis, spontaneous rupture independently predicted poor overall survival after hepatectomy (hazard ratio 1·54, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·24 to 1·93) and RFS (HR 1·75, 1·39 to 2·22). Overall survival and RFS after hepatectomy for ruptured HCC in the emergency and staged subgroups were not significantly different in multivariable analyses.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous rupture predicted poor long-term survival after hepatectomy for HCC, but surgical treatment seems possible, safe and appropriate in selected patients.

Association of HLA-DRB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms with left ventricular remodelling in elderly patients with essential hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the associations between human leucocyte antigen DRβ1 (HLA-DRB1) gene polymorphisms and cardiovascular remodelling (left ventricular dilatation [LVD]) in Han Chinese patients ≥ 60 years old, with essential hypertension.

METHODS

LVD was diagnosed via echocardiographic measurements. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction was used to determine the genotypes of three HLA-DRB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs2308765, rs9269186 and rs3135388).

RESULTS

HLADRB1 rs2308765 wild-type (G) allele and genotype (GG) were associated with decreased risk of LVD. HLA-DRB1 rs9269186 and rs3135388 were not associated with LVD risk. Mean waist and abdominal circumferences were significantly larger in patients with, compared with those without, LVD. Multivariate logistic regression analyses found that rs2308765 was associated with LVD (GT + TT versus GG; odds ratio 7.958; 95% confidence interval 1.935, 32.723).

CONCLUSIONS

Mutation in HLA-DRB1 rs2308765 was associated with increased risk of LVD in elderly patients with hypertension. Genotype analysis may allow identification of patients at high risk of cardiovascular events such LVD.

One-step route to wurtzite-structured ZnS thin nanorods in pure ethylenediamine or mixed solvent

In the paper, we report one-step synthesis of novel wurtzite-structured ZnS three dimensional architectures assembled from thin nanorods in mixed solvent of ethylenediamine (en) and ethylene glycol, and wurtzite ZnS nanorods in a pure en solvent, both adopting Zn(CH3COO)2 x 2H2O and (NH2)2CS as raw materials. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction were applied to characterize the samples. It was found that the volume ratio of solvents and the concentration of (NH2)2CS played important roles in the formation of wurtzite-structured ZnS nanorods, and the thin wurtzite ZnS nanorods with mean diameter of 6 nm were successfully synthesized. The optical absorption edges of the thin ZnS nanorods were found to be blue-shifted compared with that of the bulk ZnS due to the quantum confinement effect.

Immune responses to foot-and-mouth disease virus in pig farms after the 1997 outbreak in Taiwan

This paper reports on a retrospective study of the antibody responses to structural and non-structural proteins of FMD virus O Taiwan 97 in six pig herds in Taiwan in the year after the 1997 Taiwanese FMD outbreak. All herds were vaccinated against FMD after the outbreak as part of the countrywide control program. Three of the herds had confirmed FMD infections (herds N, O and P) and three herds remained non-infected (herds K, L and M). The serum neutralizing antibody titers and the non-structural protein ELISA (NSP) antibody responses in sows and 1-month-old pigs in the infected herds were higher than in the non-infected herds, but over time a number of positive NSP reactors were detected. From the serological studies and the herd monitoring and investigations it was considered that the FMD NSP positive reactors may not have constituted a true reservoir of FMD virus infection especially in herds where susceptible pigs were no longer present post-exposure or post-vaccination. Pigs vaccinated with an unpurified FMD type O vaccines being used at that time also showed false positive responses for NSP antibodies.

Immune responses of pigs to commercialized emulsion FMD vaccines and live virus challenge

The immune response to structural and non-structural proteins (NSPs) was studied on sequential serum samples in swine from O/Taiwan/97 FMDV challenge studies, outbreaks and after vaccination. The results showed that pigs vaccinated with a commercial vaccine prior to or after infection maintained high neutralizing antibody titers with gradual decline from peak titers over the duration of this study. However, neutralizing antibody titers in non-vaccinated pigs only reached moderate levels 2-4 weeks post infection and remained low thereafter. For the 3B and 3ABC NSP antibody ELISA responses, there were gradually decreasing levels of NSP antibody over time. In multiple vaccinations, all pigs showed significant increases in neutralizing antibodies after booster vaccination. For the 3B NSP antibody ELISA after vaccination, the mean S/P ratios for pigs vaccinated with all three FMD vaccines were all below the 0.23 cut-off value set by the manufacture, but some sera from individual vaccinated pigs gave results above this cut-off after primary or secondary vaccination. However, with the 3ABC NSP antibody ELISA, all sera from vaccinated pigs had negative results for NSP antibody for all time points.

Risk assessment for safety of soils and vegetables around a lead/zinc mine

Concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu) were determined in soils and vegetables (chrysanthemum, spinach and four cultivars of Chinese cabbage from the area adjacent to a Pb/Zn mine in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, China, and compared with the Chinese National Standards for Soil Environmental Quality. The accumulation of heavy metals in cabbage cv. Siyuegreen was investigated at different distances from the center of the mine. The vegetable plantation soils were polluted with Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn, especially by Pb and Cd. The levels of Pb and Cd were 20 and 30 times higher than the permitted standards, indicating that this Pb/Zn mining area is unsuitable for agricultural use. Chinese cabbage, chrysanthemum and spinach had different enrichment coefficients. The enrichment coefficient of Cd from soil to roots of chrysanthemum was >80% and from roots to leaves of cabbage cv. Shanghaigreen was >120%. These vegetables were polluted by heavy metals and could not be regarded as safe for human consumption. Environmental accumulation of heavy metals in the vegetable plantation soils was proportional to heavy metal accumulation in vegetables and both were inversely proportional to the distance from the lead/zinc mine.

[Determination of content of nodakenin in Notopterygium incisum ting from different source by HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a method for the determination of nodakenin in N. incisum.

METHOD

A HPLC method was used.

RESULT

Y = -9509.1 + 1912709.8X, r = 0.9998. The calibration was linear in range of 0.16-0.64 microgram. The average recovery was 99.7%, RSD 1.1%.

CONCLUSION

The method is appropriate for the determination of nodakenin.

Neuron-specific Bcl-2 homology 3 domain-only splice variant of Bak is anti-apoptotic in neurons, but pro-apoptotic in non-neuronal cells

We have identified and characterized N-Bak, a neuron-specific isoform of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bak. N-Bak is generated by neuron-specific splicing of a novel 20-base pair exon, which changes the previously described Bak, containing Bcl-2 homology (BH) domains BH1, BH2, and BH3, into a shorter BH3-only protein. As demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and RNase protection assay, N-Bak transcripts are expressed only in central and peripheral neurons, but not in other cells, whereas the previously described Bak is expressed ubiquitously, but not in neurons. Neonatal sympathetic neurons microinjected with N-Bak resisted apoptotic death caused by nerve growth factor (NGF) removal, whereas microinjected Bak accelerated NGF deprivation-induced death. Overexpressed Bak killed sympathetic neurons in the presence of NGF, whereas N-Bak did not. N-Bak was, however, still death-promoting when overexpressed in non-neuronal cells. Thus, N-Bak is an anti-apoptotic BH3-only protein, but only in the appropriate cellular environment. This is the first example of a neuron-specific Bcl-2 family member.

Expressed sequence tags from a NaCl-treated Suaeda salsa cDNA library

Past efforts to improve plant tolerance to osmotic stress have had limited success owing to the genetic complexity of stress responses. The first step towards cataloging and categorizing genetically complex abotic stress responses is the rapid discovery of genes by the large-scale partial sequencing of randomly selected cDNA clones or expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Suaeda salsa, which can survive seawater-level salinity, is a favorite halophytic model for salt tolerant research. We constructed a NaCl-treated cDNA library of Suaeda salsa and sequenced 1048 randomly selected clones, out of which 1016 clones produced readable sequences (773 showed homology to previously identified genes, 227 matched unknown protein coding regions, 16 anomalous sequences or sequences of bacterial origin were excluded from further analysis). By sequence analysis we identified 492 unique clones: 315 showed homology to previously identified genes, 177 matched unknown protein coding regions (101 of which have been found before in other organisms and 76 are completely novel). All our EST data are available on the Internet. We believe that our dbEST and the associated DNA materials will be a useful source to scientists engaging in stress-tolerance study.

[Changes in the state of phosphorylation of DARPP-32 of gerbil striatum during ischemia]

Using the mongolian gerbil model of transient forebrain ischemia by bilateral carotid arteries occlusion, the levels of phosphorylation and the amount of DARPP-32 in striatum were measured by back-phosphorylation and Western-blotting assay in vitro. Transient forebrain ischemia had no effect on the immunoreaction of DARPP-32 in striatum, but the state of phosphorylation of DARPP-32 showed a significant change. The [32P] phosphate incorporation in DARPP-32 decreased after 2, 7 or 10 min of ischemia, but increased after a 5-min ischemia. In contrast, the result of back-phosphorylation in vivo was opposite to that obtained in vitro.

Effect of dopamine depletion on DARPP-32 protein in ischemic rat striatum

AIM

To study the effects of dopamine depletion on the phosphorylation level, intracellular distribution, and mRNA expression of DARPP-32 in the ischemic striatum and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the ischemic injury.

METHODS

A complex model of SN lesioning with 6-OHDA to deplete dopamine and four vessels occlusion for inducing forebrain ischemia was constructed in rats. DARPP-32 was investigated with autoradiogram, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

The [32P]phosphate incorporation of DARPP-32 was reduced in vitro following ischemia. However, the [32P]phosphate incorporation, the numbers of positive neurons, and mRNA expression of DARPP-32 were increased in SN lesioning plus ischemic rats with denervated striatum.

CONCLUSION

Dopamine depletion reduced the DARPP-32 phosphorylation in vivo following ischemia, and protected DARPP-32 immunoreactivity and mRNA expression level against the reduction induced by ischemia.

Functional characterization of two splice variants of rat bad and their interaction with Bcl-w in sympathetic neurons

Neuronal cell death is in many cases regulated by competitive interactions between pro- and antiapoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family. In this study we have identified two splice variants of the rat proapoptotic molecule Bad, which differ in their carboxy-terminal regions. Both splice variants of Bad interacted with the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-w as shown by yeast two-hybrid assay and by co-immunoprecipitation experiments from transfected cells. mRNA expression for the two variants of bad were detected in all neonatal and adult rat tissues tested. Overexpression of either of the two isoforms of Bad in nerve growth factor (NGF)-maintained sympathetic neurons by microinjection induced the cell death of these neurons, which was neutralized by co-expression of Bcl-w. Overexpression of Bcl-w in sympathetic neurons also counteracted death induced by NGF deprivation, which was not reduced by co-expression of either of the two Bad variants. The results suggest that Bcl-w, Bad-alpha, and Bad-beta may participate in the regulation of apoptosis in the sympathetic nervous system.

Dopamine-glutamate interaction in rat striatal slices: changes of CCDPK II, PKA, and LDH activity by receptor-mediated mechanisms

AIM

To study the effects of dopamine (DA) and glutamate (Glu) and their receptor agonists/antagonists on Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CCDPK II), cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) activities and the LDH release in rat striatal slices, and to examine the interaction between DA and Glu transmitter systems in striatum.

METHODS

The activities of CCDPK II, PKA, and the release of LDH were determined with the 32P-incorporation and colorimetry respectively in rat striatal slices.

RESULTS

(1) Exogenous DA, D1 receptor agonist SKF 38393 and D2 receptor agonist LY 171555 reduced CCDPK II activity in striatal slices; Glu also inhibited CCPPK II activity in a concentration-dependent manner. NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 could antagonize the inhibitory effect of SKF 38393 and LY 171555 on the CCDPK II activity. D1 and D2 receptor antagonists SCH 23390 and spiperone could also antagonize the decrease of CCDPK II activity induced by Glu; (2) DA and SKF 38393 markedly increased PKA activity in striatal slices, which was reduced by MK-801; (3) DA and Glu increased the release of LDH from the striatal neurons in a concentration-dependent manner. MK-801 antagonized the increase of LDH induced by DA. Spiperone, rather than SCH 23390, could reduce the release of LDH from striatal neuron in the presence of Glu.

CONCLUSION

The interaction between DA and Glu transmitter systems is found in the regulation of the CCDPK II and PKA activities and cell function in the striatum.

GDNF triggers a novel ret-independent Src kinase family-coupled signaling via a GPI-linked GDNF receptor alpha1

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has potentially great clinical importance in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases, however its intracellular signaling mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that upon GDNF binding glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked GDNF receptor alpha1 (GFRalpha1) activates cytoplasmic Src family tyrosine kinase(s) in Ret tyrosine kinase-deficient cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons and in two Ret-negative cell lines. GFRalpha1-mediated Src-type kinase activation subsequently triggers phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, cAMP response element binding protein and phospholipase Cgamma. We therefore conclude that GDNF can activate intracellular signaling pathways Ret-independently via GPI-linked GFRalpha1.

Antagonistic effect of l-stepholidine on striatal ischemic injury in rat

AIM

To elucidate the protection of l-stepholidine (SPD) on neuronal morphology and function against the striatal ischemic injury in rat.

METHODS

The forebrain ishemia to Sprague Dawley rats was induced with four-vessel occlusion. Histological examination was performed on the dorsolateral striatum with cresylviolet stain. In striatal slices of rat as an in vitro ischemic model, the activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CCDPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was examined by the method of 32P-incorporation and colorimetry, respectively.

RESULTS

In the SPD-treated groups, most of the neurons in the striatum kept the normal morphological appearance after 30-min ischemia followed by 6-h or 12-h reperfusion. The number of neurons was much more in SPD groups than that in vehicle group. The sparse and abnormal neurons were observed in the vehicle group. SPD attenuated the ischemic effect on the CCDPK activity in striatal slices. In addition, SPD inhibited the leakage of LDH from neurons induced by ischemia in incubated striatal slices.

CONCLUSION

SPD protected striatal neurons against ischemic injury and antagonized the inhibitory action on CCDPK activity induced by ischemia. SPD reduced the leakage of LDH from striatal neurons induced by ischemia.

Retarded growth and deficits in the enteric and parasympathetic nervous system in mice lacking GFR alpha2, a functional neurturin receptor

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and a related protein, neurturin (NTN), require a GPI-linked coreceptor, either GFR alpha1 or GFR alpha2, for signaling via the transmembrane Ret tyrosine kinase. We show that mice lacking functional GFR alpha2 coreceptor (Gfra2-/-) are viable and fertile but have dry eyes and grow poorly after weaning, presumably due to malnutrition. While the sympathetic innervation appeared normal, the parasympathetic cholinergic innervation was almost absent in the lacrimal and salivary glands and severely reduced in the small bowel. Neurite outgrowth and trophic effects of NTN at low concentrations were lacking in Gfra2-/- trigeminal neurons in vitro, whereas responses to GDNF were similar between the genotypes. Thus, GFR alpha2 is a physiological NTN receptor, essential for the development of specific postganglionic parasympathetic neurons.

[Ketamine and nifedipine protect cultured cortical neurons against injurious effect of glutamate]

The effects of glutamate on cultured cortical neurons and the protective effect of ketamine and nifedipine were studied. On day 10 after plating of the cortical cells from 16-18 day-old fetal rats, the cultures were exposed to 50 mumol.L-1 glutamate and low glucose (1 g.L-1) for 10 min-24 h. The results showed that a release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the culture supernatant was observed as a function of time. The values of LDH efflux in culture medium was significantly lower than those of controls when the cells were pretreated with ketamine or nifedipine 10 min prior to addition of glutamate. More significant decrease of LDH activity in culture medium was observed when the two drugs were used in combination. These results demonstrate that the dissociated cultured cortical neurons from fetal rat are seriously damaged by glutamate. Such damage could be attenuated by ketamine and nifedipine, suggesting that ketamine and nifedipine may protect neurons from the glutamate toxicity, and the effect of combining ketamine and nifedipine was greater than either ketamine or nifedipine alone.

Inhibitory effect of estrogen on vascular contraction from male rats of different ages

Both age and sex influence vascular contractile functions and play significant roles in cardiovascular regulation. Recent research has focused on the action of sex steroids on blood vessels and characterized both endothelium-dependent as well as-independent effects in agonists-induced contractile response. However, to study the combined influences of age and sex steroids present a complicated situation. In the current investigation, we studied the role of both these physiological factors in an in vitro approach. We found that high concentrations of estrogen (E2, 17 beta-estradiol) significantly inhibited contractile response induced by KCI in endothelium-denuded aorta derived from both young (24 wk) and aged (53 wk) male rats. The contractile responses in aorta from aged rats were significantly less than that from young adults in the absence or presence of E2 indicating that the vascular effect of E2 could be demonstrated in both young and aged male rats. Taken together, our data suggest that E2's action on endothelium-independent, KCI-induced contractile response in vitro could serve as a simple model system to examine the interaction of aging process and gender difference on vascular functions.

[Studies on mechanism of the inhibition of Ca2+/CaM PKII activity induced by hypoxia in rat hippocampal slices]

The effects of Ca2+ and ketamine on Ca2+/CaM PK II activity in rat hippocampal slices under in vitro hypoxic states have been studied and the effect of hypoxia on glutamate accumulation was also investigated. The results were as follows: (1) Ca2+/CaM PK II activity decreased gradually with increasing hypoxic time in culture medium with or without 1.3 Ca2- mmol/L, with the former case being much more pronounced. (2) Extracellular accumulation of GLU increased about two-fold after hypoxia for 30 min in vitro. (3) When slices were incubated for 30 min under conditions in excess of exogenous GLU the enzyme activity markedly decreased, a finding suggesting that the inhibition of enzyme activity induced by hypoxia may result from excitotoxicity. (4) The inhibition of the enzyme activity induced by either hypoxia or excess exogenous glutamate alone could be antagonized markedly by pretreatment with ketamine, suggesting that the hypoxia induced inhibition of the enzyme activity is mediated by NMDA receptor.