Effect of internal phase particle size on properties of site mixed emulsion explosive at plateau environment

To study the effect of internal particle size on the microstructure properties and thermal decomposition characteristics of site mixed emulsion explosive at different altitudes. Site mixed emulsion explosive was prepared with different shear rate. The particle size, viscosity, sensitized bubbles, detonation velocity and peak pressure of the emulsion explosive were tested after stored at different simulated altitudes. The thermal decomposition characteristics of emulsion matrix prepared at three different rotational speeds were measured by thermogravimetric analyzer and kinetic analysis was performed by non-isothermal model Kissinger-Akah-Sunose (KAS) method. The results show that with the increase in altitude, the internal phase size showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and the number of sensitized bubbles within the emulsion explosive decreases. At an altitude of 0 m, the detonation velocity and peak overpressure of the emulsion explosive prepared by 1600 r min-1 increased 4.78% and 29.09%, respectively compared with 1200 r min-1, and at an altitude of 4500 m, the detonation velocity increased 11.87%, the peak overpressure increased 43.98%. The thermal decomposition activation energy of the emulsion matrix at 1600 r min-1 increased 13.14% compared to 1200 r min-1. It shows that in the production of site mixed emulsion explosive at high altitude, reducing the particle size of the internal phase of emulsion explosives in a certain range can effectively improve the performance of emulsion explosives.

Multi-Omics Characteristics of Ferroptosis Associated with Colon Adenocarcinoma Typing and Survival

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, plays a crucial role in the progression of various cancers, including colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). However, the multi-omics signatures relevant to ferroptosis regulation in COAD diagnosis remain to be elucidated.

METHODS

The transcriptomic, miRNAomic, and methylomic profiles of COAD patients were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Ferroptosis activity in these patients was determined, represented by a ferroptosis score (FS), using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) based on the expression of ferroptosis-related genes.

RESULTS

Results showed that the COAD patients with high-FS displayed favorable survival outcomes and heightened drug sensitivity. They also exhibited an up-regulation of genes involved in immune-related pathways (e.g., tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway), suggesting a correlation between immunity and ferroptosis in COAD progression. Furthermore, three survival prediction models were established based on 10 CpGs, 12 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and 14 microRNAs (miRNAs), respectively. These models demonstrated high accuracy in predicting COAD survival, achieving areas under the curve (AUC) >0.7. The variables used in the three models also showed strong correlations at different omics levels and were effective at discriminating between high-FS and low-FS COAD patients (AUC >0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified different DNA methylation (DNAm), lncRNA, and miRNA characteristics between COAD patients with high and low ferroptosis activity. Furthermore, ferroptosis-related multi-omics signatures were established for COAD prognosis and classification. These insights present new opportunities for improving the efficacy of COAD therapy.

Recombinant human thrombopoietin treatment in patients with chronic liver disease-related thrombocytopenia undergoing invasive procedures: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Chronic liver disease (CLD) related thrombocytopenia increases the risk of bleeding and poor prognosis. Many liver disease patients require invasive procedures or surgeries, such as liver biopsy or endoscopic variceal ligation, and most of them have lower platelet counts, which could aggravate the risk of bleeding due to liver dysfunction and coagulation disorders. Unfortunately, there is no defined treatment modality for CLD-induced thrombocytopenia. Recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) is commonly used to treat primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombocytopenia caused by solid tumor chemotherapy; however, there are few reports on the use of rhTPO in the treatment of CLD-related thrombocytopenia.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of rhTPO in the treatment of patients with CLD-associated thrombocytopenia undergoing invasive procedures.

METHODS

All analyses were based on the retrospective collection of clinical data of patients with CLD who were treated in the Department of Infectious Diseases at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between June 2020 and December 2021. Fifty-nine male and 41 female patients with liver disease were enrolled in this study to assess the changes in platelet counts and parameters before and after the use of rhTPO for thrombocytopenia. Adverse events related to treatment, such as bleeding, thrombosis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, were also investigated.

RESULTS

Among the enrolled patients, 78 (78%) showed a platelet count increase after rhTPO use, while 22 (22%) showed no significant change in platelet count. The mean platelet count after rhTPO treatment in all patients was 101.53 ± 81.81 × 10⁹/L, which was significantly improved compared to that at baseline (42.88 ± 16.72 × 10⁹/L), and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In addition, patients were further divided into three subgroups according to their baseline platelet counts (< 30 × 10⁹/L, 30-50 × 10⁹/L, > 50 × 10⁹/L). Subgroup analyses showed that the median platelet counts after treatment were significantly higher (P < 0.001, all). Ninety (90%) patients did not require platelet transfusion partially due to an increase in platelet count after treatment with rhTPO. No serious adverse events related to rhTPO treatment were observed. Overall, rhTPO demonstrated good clinical efficacy for treating CLD-associated thrombocytopenia.

CONCLUSION

rhTPO can improve platelet count, reduce the risk of bleeding, and decrease the platelet transfusion rate, which may promote the safety of invasive procedures and improve overall survival of patients with CLD.

Sensory Symptoms and effects on Health-related Quality of Life of Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery

BACKGROUND

Patients with lumbar degenerative spine diseases (LDSDs) commonly report sensory symptoms before and after lumbar spine surgery.

AIM

To explore the changing patterns of sensory symptoms-namely pain, numbness, stinging, itching, and burning-and investigate the influences of sensory symptom changes on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients who experienced lumbar spine surgery.

METHODS

All sensory symptoms (i.e., pain, numbness, paresthesia) were measured using a visual analog scale. The Chinese versions of the Oswestry Disability Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale, and EuroQol-five dimensions (EQ-5D) Scale were used to assess patients 1 week prior to surgery and 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. A generalized estimating equation was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients with mean age of 58.38 years were included. All sensory symptoms declined significantly over time (all p < .05) with the exception of itching (feeling on toes and thighs). Patients experiencing moderate-to-severe pain had poorer QoL over time, even after controlling for other sensory symptoms and potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Sensory symptoms gradually declined after surgery, but itching symptom did not. Moderate-to-severe pain was the only sensory symptom that influenced HRQoL over time in patients with LDSDs.

Effects of osteoporosis on the biomechanics of various supplemental fixations co-applied with oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF): a finite element analysis

Background

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is an important surgical modality for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease. Various supplemental fixations can be co-applied with OLIF, increasing OLIF stability and reducing complications. However, it is unclear whether osteoporosis affects the success of supplemental fixations; therefore, this study analyzed the effects of osteoporosis on various supplemental fixations co-applied with OLIF.

Methods

We developed and validated an L3-S1 finite element (FE) model; we assigned different material properties to each component and established models of the osteoporotic and normal bone lumbar spine. We explored the outcomes of OLIF combined with each of five supplemental fixations: standalone OLIF; OLIF with lateral plate fixation (OLIF + LPF); OLIF with translaminar facet joint fixation and unilateral pedicle screw fixation (OLIF + TFJF + UPSF); OLIF with unilateral pedicle screw fixation (OLIF + UPSF); and OLIF with bilateral pedicle screw fixation (OLIF + BPSF). Under the various working conditions, we calculated the ranges of motion (ROMs) of the normal bone and osteoporosis models, the maximum Mises stresses of the fixation instruments (MMSFIs), and the average Mises stresses on cancellous bone (AMSCBs).

Results

Compared with the normal bone OLIF model, no demonstrable change in any segmental ROM was apparent. The MMSFIs increased in all five osteoporotic OLIF models. In the OLIF + TFJF + UPSF model, the MMSFIs increased sharply in forward flexion and extension. The stress changes of the OLIF + UPSF, OLIF + BPSF, and OLIF + TFJF + UPSF models were similar; all stresses trended upward. The AMSCBs decreased in all five osteoporotic OLIF models during flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The average stress change of cancellous bone was most obvious under extension. The AMSCBs of the five OLIF models decreased by 14%, 23.44%, 21.97%, 40.56%, and 22.44% respectively.

Conclusions

For some supplemental fixations, the AMSCBs were all reduced and the MMSFIs were all increased in the osteoporotic model, compared with the OLIF model of normal bone. Therefore, the biomechanical performance of an osteoporotic model may be inferior to the biomechanical performance of a normal model for the same fixation method; in some instances, it may increase the risks of fracture and internal fixation failure.

Biomechanical study of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) augmented with different types of instrumentation: a finite element analysis

Background

To explore the biomechanical differences in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) augmented by different types of instrumentation.

Methods

A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model of an intact L3-S1 lumbar spine was built and validated. The intact model was modified to develop five OLIF surgery models (Stand-alone OLIF; OLIF with lateral plate fixation [OLIF + LPF]; OLIF with unilateral pedicle screws fixation [OLIF + UPSF]; OLIF with bilateral pedicle screws fixation [OLIF + BPSF]; OLIF with translaminar facet joint fixation + unilateral pedicle screws fixation [OLIF + TFJF + UPSF]) in which the surgical segment was L4–L5. Under a follower load of 500 N, a 7.5-Nm moment was applied to all lumbar spine models to calculate the range of motion (ROM), equivalent stress peak of fixation instruments (ESPFI), equivalent stress peak of cage (ESPC), equivalent stress peak of cortical endplate (ESPCE), and equivalent stress average value of cancellous bone (ESAVCB).

Results

Compared with the intact model, the ROM of the L4–L5 segment in each OLIF surgery model decreased by > 80%. The ROM values of adjacent segments were not significantly different. The ESPFI, ESPC, and ESPCE values of the OLIF + BPSF model were smaller than those of the other OLIF surgery models. The ESAVCB value of the normal lumbar model was less than the ESAVCB values of all OLIF surgical models. In most postures, the ESPFI, ESPCE, and ESAVCB values of the OLIF + LPF model were the largest. The ESPC was higher in the Stand-alone OLIF model than in the other OLIF models. The stresses of several important components of the OLIF + UPSF and OLIF + TFJF + UPSF models were between those of the OLIF + LPF and OLIF + BPSF models.

Conclusions

Our biomechanical FE analysis indicated the greater ability of OLIF + BPSF to retain lumbar stability, resist cage subsidence, and maintain disc height. Therefore, in the augmentation of OLIF, bilateral pedicle screws fixation may be the best approach.

Marine Natural Products and Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is the major cause of mortality worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income earners. To not only reduce angina symptoms and exercise-induced ischemia but also prevent cardiovascular events, pharmacological intervention strategies, including antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulant drugs, statins, and other lipid-lowering drugs, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers, are conducted. However, the existing drugs for coronary artery disease are incomprehensive and have some adverse reactions. Thus, it is necessary to look for new drug research and development. Marine natural products have been considered a valuable source for drug discovery because of their chemical diversity and biological activities. The experiments and investigations indicated that several marine natural products, such as organic small molecules, polysaccharides, proteins, and bioactive peptides, and lipids were effective for treating coronary artery disease. Here, we particularly discussed the functions and mechanisms of active substances in coronary artery disease, including antiplatelet, anticoagulant, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.

Parametric study of anterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (APECD)

Anterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (APECD) is a common treatment for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). In this study, the effects of various channel diameters and approach angles on cervical vertebrae on postoperative outcomes in APECD surgery were explored. A finite element model of intact cervical C₃-C₇ was constructed and then modified to obtain six surgical models. Range of motion (ROM) and intradiscal pressure (IDP) were calculated under different conditions of flexion (Fle), extension (Ext), lateral bending, and axial rotation. During Fle and bending to the left (LB), the ROM was closer to the intact model when the angle of approach was 90°. During bending to the left (LB) and rotation to the left (LR), the ROM changed considerably (43.2%, 33.7%, respectively) where the angle of approach was 45°. As the surgical channel diameter increased, the extent of the change in ROM compared with the intact model also increased. IDP decreased by 48% and 49%, respectively, compared with the intact model at the C₅-C₆ segment where the angle of approach was 45° and 60° during Fle, while it changed little at 90°, by less than 10%. The IDP was increased noticeably by 117.6%, 82.1%, and 105.8%, for channel diameters of 2, 3 and 4 mm, respectively. And declined noticeably during LB and LR (LB: 27.1%, 27.1%, 38.5%; LR: 37.4%, 35.5%, 48.7%). The results demonstrated that the shorter the surgical path, the smaller surgical diameter, the less the biomechanical influence on the cervical vertebra.

Does oblique lumbar interbody fusion promote adjacent degeneration in degenerative disc disease: A finite element analysis

BACKGROUND

The number of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) procedures has continued to rise over recent years. Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) is a common complication following vertebral body fusion. Although the precise mechanism remains uncertain, ASD has gradually become more common in OLIF. Therefore, the present study analyzed the association between disc degeneration and OLIF to explore whether adjacent degeneration was promoted by OLIF in degenerative disc disease.

METHODS

A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model of the L3-S1 lumbar spine was developed and validated. Three lumbar spine degeneration models with different degrees of degeneration (mild, moderate and severe) and a model of OLIF surgery were constructed at the L4-L5 level. When subjected to a follower compressive load (500 N), hybrid moment loading was applied to all models of the lumbar spine and the range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), facet joint force (FJF), average mises stress in the annulus (AMSA), average tresca stress in the annulus (ATSA) and average endplate stress (AES) were measured.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy lumbar spine model, the ROM, IDP, FJF, AMSA, ATSA and AES of the segments adjacent to the degenerated segment increased in each posture as the degree of disc degeneration increased. In different directions of motion, the ROM, IDP, FJF, AMSA, ATSA and AES in the OLIF model in the L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments were higher than those of the healthy model and each degenerated model. Compared with the healthy model, the largest relative increase in biomechanical parameters above (ROM, IDP, FJF, AMSA, ATSA or AES) was observed in the L3-L4 segment in the OLIF model, of 77.13%, 32.63%, 237.19%, 45.36%, 110.92% and 80.28%, respectively. In the L5-S1 segment the corresponding values were 68.88%, 36.12%, 147.24%, 46.00%, 45.88% and 51.29%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both degenerated discs and OLIF surgery modified the pattern of motion and load distribution of adjacent segments (L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments). The increases in the biomechanical parameters of segments adjacent to the surgical segment in the OLIF model were more apparent than those of the degenerated models. In summary, OLIF risked accelerating the degeneration of segments adjacent to those of a surgical segment.

[Effect of renal function on sarcopenia in elderly male patients with chronic kidney disease]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of renal function on sarcopenia in elderly male patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: A total of 105 male CKD patients aged ≥65 years who were admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital between October 1, 2018 and January 30, 2019 were included in this study. Using two different equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), respectively. According to the sarcopenia criteria, the participants were categorized as the non-sarcopenia group (n=72) and the sarcopenia group (n=33), respectively. The association of estimated GFR (eGFR) and the sarcopenia in the male CKD patients was analyzed using the model of multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among the 105 patients, the median age was 74 (68, 77) years old. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 31.4% (33/105). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, eGFR based on serum creatinine and Cys-C (eGFRscr-cys) lower than 45 ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1) (OR=4.17, 95%CI:1.08-16.02, P=0.038) and eGFR based on Cys-C (eGFRcys) lower than 45 ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1) (OR=3.99, 95%CI:1.08-14.75, P=0.038) were independent risk factors for underlying sarcopenic, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) revealed that eGFRscr-cys (AUC=0.67) was more suitable than eGFRcys (AUC=0.64) to predict the sarcopenia in elderly male patients with CKD. Conclusion: The increased incidence of sarcopenia in elderly men with CKD is accompanied with deterioration of renal function.

Network Analyses of the Differential Expression of Heat Shock Proteins in Glioma

Heat shock protein (HSP) is a family of highly conserved protein, which exists widely in various organisms and has a variety of important physiological functions. Currently, there is no systematic analysis of HSPs in human glioma. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of HSPs through constructing protein-protein interaction network (PPIN) considering the expression level of HSPs in glioma. After the identification of the differentially expressed HSPs in glioma tissues, a specific PPIN was constructed and found that there were many interactions between the differentially expressed HSPs in glioma. Subcellular localization analysis shows that HSPs and their interacting proteins distribute from the cell membrane to the nucleus in a multilayer structure. By functional enrichment analysis, gene ontology analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, the potential function of HSPs and two meaningful enrichment pathways was revealed. In addition, nine HSPs (DNAJA4, DNAJC6, DNAJC12, HSPA6, HSP90B1, DNAJB1, DNAJB6, DNAJC10, and SERPINH1) are prognostic markers for human brain glioma. These analyses provide a full view of HSPs about their expression, biological process, as well as clinical significance in glioma.

Biomechanical Effect of L4 -L5 Intervertebral Disc Degeneration on the Lower Lumbar Spine: A Finite Element Study

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the biomechanical effects of a degenerated L₄ -L₅ segment on the lower lumbar spine through a comprehensive simulation of disc degeneration.

METHODS

A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of a normal L₃ -S₁ lumbar spine was constructed and validated. This normal model was then modified such that three degenerated models with different degrees of degeneration (mild, moderate, or severe) at the L₄ -L₅ level were constructed. While experiencing a follower compressive load (500 N), hybrid moment loads were applied to all models to determine range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), maximum von Mises stress in the annulus, maximum shear stress in the annulus, and facet joint force.

RESULTS

As the degree of disc degeneration increased, the ROM of the L₄ -L₅ degenerated segment declined dramatically in all postures (flexion: 5.79°-1.91°; extension: 5.53°-2.62°; right lateral bending: 4.47°-1.46°; left lateral bending: 4.86°-1.61°; right axial rotation: 2.69°-0.74°; left axial rotation: 2.69°-0.74°), while the ROM in adjacent segments increased (1.88°-8.19°). The largest percent decrease in motion of the L₄ -L₅ segment due to disc degeneration was in right axial rotation (75%), left axial rotation (69%), flexion (67%), right lateral bending (67%), left lateral bending right (67%), and extension (53%). The change in the trend of the IDP was the same as that of the ROM. Specifically, the IDP decreased (flexion: 0.592-0.09 MPa; extension: 0.678-0.334 MPa; right lateral bending: 0.498-0.205 MPa; left lateral bending: 0.523-0.272 MPa; right axial rotation: 0.535-0.246 MPa; left axial rotation: 0.53-0.266 MPa) in the L₄ -L₅ segment, while the IDP in adjacent segments increased (0.511-0.789 MPa). The maximum von Mises stress and maximum shear stress of the annulus in whole lumbar spine segments increased (L₄ -L₅ segment: 0.413-2.626 MPa and 0.412-2.783 MPa, respectively; adjacent segment of L₄ -L₅ : 0.356-1.493 MPa and 0.359-1.718 MPa, respectively) as degeneration of the disc progressively increased. There was no apparent regularity in facet joint force in the degenerated segment as the degree of disc degeneration increased. Nevertheless, facet joint forces in adjacent healthy segments increased as the degree of disc degeneration increased (extension: 49.7-295.3 N; lateral bending: 3.5-171.2 N; axial rotation: 140.2-258.8 N).

CONCLUSION

Degenerated discs caused changes in the motion and loading pattern of the degenerated segments and adjacent normal segments. The abnormal load and motion in the degenerated models risked accelerating degeneration in the adjacent normal segments. In addition, accurate simulation of degenerated facet joints is essential for predicting changes in facet joint loads following disc degeneration.

[Related factors of frailty in the elderly male patients with chronic kidney disease]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of frailty in the elderly male patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the effects of renal function on the incidence of frailty. Methods: A total of 105 non-dialysis CKD patients aged ≥65 years who were admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital between October 1, 2018 and January 30, 2019 were included in this study. Their clinical data and laboratory indicators were collected. Frailty was defined according to Fried frailty criteria. According to the frailty scores, the participants were categorized as non-frail (n=37), intermediately frail (n=37) and frail (n=31). The association of frailty and the level of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the patients was analyzed using the model of multivariate Logistic regression. Results: Among the 105 patients, the mean age was 74 (68, 77) years old. The incidence of frail and intermediate frail was 35.2% (37/105) and 29.5% (31/105), respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis showed statistically significant associations of frailty with age (OR=1.14, 95%CI:1.08-1.20, P<0.001), body mass index (OR=0.87, 95%CI:0.79-0.95, P=0.001) and the level of eGFR (OR=0.98, 95%CI:0.96-0.99, P=0.003) in those patients. The incidence of frail in patients with eGFR<45 ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1) and 45-59 ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1) was 1.02 (OR=2.02, 95%CI: 1.06~3.87) and 0.84 (OR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.05-3.22) times higher than that of eGFR≥60 ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1), respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of frailty in the elderly patients with CKD is affected by many factors, such as age, body mass index and renal function, and increases with decreased renal function.

[Efficacy and mechanism of loading dose clopidogrel in patients with transient ischemic attack and minor stroke]

Objective: To assess outcome, safety and possible mechanism of loading dose clopidogrel in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke. Methods: We reviewed patients with confirmed TIA and minor stroke admitted between July 2016 and December 2017 into the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Loss-of-function allele carriers of CYP2C19 were included and randomly divided into loading dose group (first dose of 300 mg clopidogrel) and standard dose group (first dose of 75 mg clopidogrel), 100 mg aspirin was gave at the same time, followed by aspirin 100 mg/d plus clopidogrel 75 mg/d maintaining for 20 days. Platelet aggregation (maximum aggregation ratio, MAR) induced by Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was examined before and 3 days after administration. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score method was employed to assess the NIHSS scores before and after treatment in each group of patients; the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess the 3-month functional outcome. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05).The proportion of early neurological function improvement in the two groups was 75.0% and 54.8%, and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=4.498, P=0.034). The 3-month prognosis was 79.5% and 61.3%, and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=4.000, P=0.045). Adverse events: 1 case in the loading dose group, 1 case in the standard dose group, the difference was not statistically significant (2.3% vs 1.6%, χ(2)=0.061, P=0.806). After 3 days of antiplatelet therapy, the MAR of the loading dose group decreased (11%±8%), and the MAR of the standard dose group decreased (9%±4%), the difference was statistically significant (P=0.013).In the loading dose group, there were 32 (72.7%)CYP2C19*2 carriers and 42 (95.5%)CYP2C19*2+*3 carriers; early neurological function improvement in 33 cases, accounting for 93.8% and 76.2%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=4.122, P=0.042). There were 35 patients with good prognosis in 3 months, accounting for 96.9% and 81.0%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=4.310, P=0.038); MAR of CYP2C19*2 carrier was decreased (15%±5%), and MAR of CYP2C19*2+*3 carrier was decreased (12%±8%). The difference was statistically significant (P=0.039). Conclusions: Loading dose clopidogrel can improve the clinical prognosis of minor stroke/TIA without increasing the risk of bleeding. Loading dose clopidogrel may improve the prognosis of minor stroke/TIA by decreasing MAR of CYP2C19*2 carriers.

Effect of biological additives on Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) growth performance, digestive enzymes activity and immunology

Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) has become a commercially important fish species all over the world. High-density aquaculture has led to congestion and contributed to bacterial infection outbreaks that have caused high mortality. Therefore a 56-days feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (GB-9) and Yarrowia lipolytica lipase2 (YLL2) on growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, innate immunity and resistance to pathogens of A. japonica. Fish growth performance was significantly affected by dietary YLL2 supplementation but not by GB-9. Fish fed diets with YLL2 at 2.0 g/kg diet in combination of high and low levels of GB-9 (5.0 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg) produced the highest growth. For digestive enzyme, lipase and trypsin activities was promoted by dietary containing YLL2, while amylase activities was increased by dietary containing YLL2, GB-9 single or combination. For innate immunity, the mucus lysozyme activity, leukocytes phagocytosis activity and reactive oxygen species level of skin, peroxidase and lysozyme activity of serum were enhanced in fish fed with GB-9 compared to those in control group (p < 0.05). The highest resistance to Vibrio anguillarum and Aeromonas hydrophila was determined in fish fed with 5.0 g kg^-1 GB-9 + 2.0 g/kg YLL2. This study demonstrated that GB-9 and YLL2 enhanced non-specific immune defense system of A. japonica, providing them with higher resistance to pathogens. The present results suggested that the combination of these supplements could be considered as potential biological additives for aquaculture farmed fish.

[A multi-center cross-sectional survey of medicine application in patients with osteoarthritis in China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics, the medicine application and to evaluate the disease activity in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) in China.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Totally 1 066 cases of OA from 40 hospitals in China from April to October 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, medicine application, and joint function were evaluated. All the data were analyzed by SPSS software 19.0. t test, Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In the 1 066 cases, the male-to-female ratio was 1:3.6 and the average age was (61.9±11.0) years, with an age range from 36 to 94 years. The incidence of knee OA, hip OA, and hand OA were respectively 81.9% (873/1 066), 14.1% (150/1 066), and 36.3% (387/1 066). In the study, 242 (22.7%) cases had two kinds of joint areas involved and three joint areas were involved in 51 cases (4.8%), and 56.6% (603/1 066) of the patients used more than one kind of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while 61.2% (652/1 066) used disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs), including glucosamine (37.5%, 400/1 066), chondroitin sulfate (2.0%, 21/1 066), diacetate (5.9%, 63/1 066), and the combination of these drugs (15.8%, 168/1 066). 8.6% (92/1 066) patients only took analgesics to relieve the pain, not using any kind of NSAIDs or DMOADs. And 232 patients (21.7%) had intra-articular injections, including 9.2% (98/1 066) sodium hyaluronate, 4.5%(48/1 066) glucocorticoid, and 8.1% (86/1 066) combination of the two drugs. The proportion of the patients taking topical drugs accounted for 26.5% (283/1 066) and physical therapy accounted for 15.8% (168/1 066). Compared with those who suffered from knee OA, the patients who suffered from hip OA had more severe disease assessment. Moreover, there were significant differences in pain (Z=-7.625, P<0.001), morning stiffness (Z=-6.229, P<0.001), and joint function (Z=-6.777, P<0.001) between the two groups of the patients who suffered from knee or hip OA with The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index. Furthermore, patients with hip OA took more analgesics (χ²=24.838, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Oral NSAIDs and DMOADs are wildly used in patients with OA in China. However, the treatment of some patients still need to be improved. Patients with hip OA are more seriously ill and require aggressive treatment.

[Effect of interleukin-6 promoter DNA methylation on the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus]

Objective: To analyze peripheral blood interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter DNA methylation status and its clinical significance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Blood samples of 41 adult patients with SLE and 20 healthy controls were collected.The methylation status of IL-6 promoter was determined by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). The IL-6 expression was detected by real-time PCR.Correlations between IL-6 promoter methylation status and clinical features or laboratory findings in patients with SLE were analyzed. Results: The levels of IL-6 mRNA were significantly higher in peripheral blood of SLE.DNA methylation levels of IL-6 promoter were reduced in SLE patients as compared with healthy controls.The methylation status and expression of IL-6 in peripheral blood reflected the levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Significantly positive correlation was found between IL-6 hypomethylation and renal disorder, as well as hypocomplementemia in patients with SLE. Conclusion: Hypomethylation of interleukin-6 promoter in peripheral blood might be involved in the etiology of SLE.

[A cross-sectional study on application of glucocorticoid in systemic lupus erythematosus patients]

Objective: To explore the status of glucocorticoid application in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in China. Methods: Epidemiological survey was used. The SLE patients who met the 1997 classification criteria of American College of Rheumatology were enrolled. The usage of glucocorticoid and related adverse reactions were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 400 SLE patients were enrolled, including 35 men and 365 women. The average age was (37.4±14.0) years old, and the average duration of disease was (6.7±5.8) years. There were 310 patients using glucocorticoid as maintenance. Sixty-one percent (n=244) patients started using medium dose (prednisone 30-<60 mg/d) as the initial treatment of glucocorticoid, which lasted for(37±11)days.The time of drug duration in patients with low dose prednisone (7.5-<30 mg/d)and high dose (60-100 mg/d) was(92±20)and(17±3)days respectively (P<0.05 between 3 groups). However, patients receiving different initial dosage were of no discrepancy in the maintenance therapy. During maintenance, even though 51.0% (n=158) patients were on prednisone 2.5-5 mg/d, the duration of drug use in >5-10 mg/d groupwas longer[(29.9±3.3) months]. Patients with involvement of internal organs had a higher tendency to use 60-100 mg/d prednisone or pulse-dose therapy in the initial treatment, nevertheless these two groups had no difference of maintenance dosage. Among all 400 patients, 62 patients withdrew glucocorticoid, including 17 patients with disease remission (4.3%), 44 by self-withdrawal and one with adverse reaction. Conclusion: In China, the medium dosage of glucocorticoid is the most common initial treatment in patients with SLE.Prednisone 2.5-5 mg/d was the most common choicefor maintenance therapy. Currently, the proportion of glucocorticoid withdrawal remains low in SLE patients achieving remission.

Mapping QTLs for drought tolerance in an F2:3 population from an inter-specific cross between Gossypium tomentosum and Gossypium hirsutum

Cotton is one of the most important natural fiber crops in the world. Its growth and yield is greatly limited by drought. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was therefore conducted to investigate the genetic basis of drought tolerance in cotton (Gossypium spp) using 188 F2:3 lines developed from an inter-specific cross between a wild cotton species, G. tomentosum, and an upland cotton, G. hirsutum (CRI-12). A genetic map was constructed using 1295 simple sequence repeat markers, which amplified 1342 loci, distributed on 26 chromosomes, covering 3328.24 cM. A field experiment was conducted in two consecutive years (2014 and 2015) and 11 morphological and physiological traits were recorded under water-limited (W1)/well-watered (W2) regimes at three growth stages (bud, flowering, and full boll). The traits measured included chlorophyll content, plant height, leaf area, leaf number, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, boll weight, number of bolls per plant, and the number of fruiting branches. Sixty-seven and 35 QTLs were found under the W1 and W2 conditions, respectively. Of these, the majority exhibited partial dominance or over-dominance genetic effects for increasing the trait values. Four consistent QTLs were found under the W1 treatment on chromosomes 5, 8, 9, and 16, whereas no consistent QTL was found in W2. Thirteen QTL clusters were also identified on nine chromosomes (2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 14, 15, 16, and 21). These results will help to elucidate the genetic basis of drought tolerance in cotton.

[Pathogens and clinical characteristics of bacterial infection in hematology department between 2010 and 2014]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the characteristics of distribution and drug resistance of bacterial infection in several different parts of hematology department inpatients of Anhui Provincial Hospital from January 2010 to December 2014, including patients who had received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

Anti-microbial susceptibility test was done by Kirby-Bauer method and automated systems and the data were analysed by WHONET 5.6 software.

RESULTS

A total of 3 312 copies of inspection samples were analyzed, including 2 716 (82%) blood samples and other 596 specimens (18%). 634 bacterial strains were isolated from 3 312 samples (19.14%) including 488 samples (76.97%) from blood culture. 427 (67.35%) bacterial strains were gram-negative, and the other 207 (32.65%) were gram-positive. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were most common gram-negative bacterial and the resistant rates to imipenem were 0.8%, 11.8% and 3.3%, respectively. Detection rates of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 83.9% and 75.0%, respectively. At the same time, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Enterococcus were most common kinds of gram-positive bacteria. Methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococcus accounted for 65.9% antibiotic resistance. No vancomycin and/or linezolid and/or tigecycline resistant strains of Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. were found in those patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with hematology diseases had a higher risk of bacterial infections, mainly caused by Gram-negative bacteria. There are different distributions of bacterial in different wards.

Radiological follow-up results of untreated anterior disc displacement without reduction in adults

The aim of this study was to assess the radiographic changes in untreated adults with bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction. A cohort study was designed to compare the bone changes, effusion, disc configuration, and pseudo-disc changes on two magnetic resonance images obtained at least 24 months apart. Twenty-eight patients (22 female, six male) with a mean age of 33.1 years (range 20-57 years) were included. The mean interval between the initial visit and the follow-up visit was 36.2 months. At the initial visit, the frequencies of bone changes, effusion, disc deformation, and pseudo-disc changes were 51.79%, 35.71%, 100%, and 0%, respectively. At follow-up, the frequency of effusion had decreased significantly. The frequency of bone changes had increased significantly to 75%, but newly formed cortical bone was present in five condyles. All discs remained deformed. Pseudo-disc changes were detected in five joints. Over a long period of observation, there was a significant decrease in effusion and a significant increase in bone changes. However, some adaptive changes occurred.

Construction and characterization of a bacterial artificial chromosome library for the allotetraploid Gossypium tomentosum

Gossypium tomentosum is a wild allotetraploid species with the (AD)5 genome. It is characterized by many useful traits including finer fiber fineness, drought tolerance, and Fusarium and Verticillium resistance. We constructed the first bacterial artificial chromosome library for Gossypium tomentosum. With high quality and broad coverage, this library includes 200,832 clones, with an average insert size of about 122 kb and fewer than 3% empty clones. Our library is approximately 10-fold the size of the (AD)5-genome (2400 Mb) and provides a 99.7% probability of isolating genes of interest or their sequences. Seven of eight simple sequence repeats markers that are located on five different chromosomes and linked with resistance to Verticillium wilt could amplify the 50 superpools and obtained one to five hits. This high capacity library will be an important genomic resource for classifying and analyzing the evolution of allotetraploid cotton species as well as for isolating disease-resistance and drought-tolerance genes.

Genetic diversity and relationship analysis of Gossypium arboreum accessions

Simple sequence repeat techniques were used to identify the genetic diversity of 101 Gossypium arboreum accessions collected from India, Vietnam, and the southwest of China (Guizhou, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces). Twenty-six pairs of SSR primers produced a total of 103 polymorphic loci with an average of 3.96 polymorphic loci per primer. The average of the effective number of alleles, Nei's gene diversity, and Shannon's information index were 0.59, 0.2835, and 0.4361, respectively. The diversity varied among different geographic regions. The result of principal component analysis was consistent with that of unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean clustering analysis. The 101 G. arboreum accessions were clustered into 2 groups.

Lenalidomide affect expression level of cereblon protein in multiple myeloma cell line RPMI8226

We investigated the mechanisms of action of immuno-modulatory drug (lenalidomide) on the protein expression of cereblon (CRBN) and their therapeutic targets in the multiple myeloma cell line RPMI8226. The multiple myeloma cell line RPMI8226 was cultured and treated with different concentrations of lenalidomide and bortezomib to determine the proliferation inhibition rate, apoptosis rate, and protein expression of CRBN. The results revealed that both lenalidomide and bortezomib inhibited the proliferation of RPMI8226 and promoted cell apoptosis. However, the protein expression of CRBN decreased signifi-cantly after treatment with lenalidomide, while bortezomib had no effect on the expression of CRBN. We confirmed that CRBN may be a target of lenalidomide.

Characterization and development of chloroplast microsatellite markers for Gossypium hirsutum, and cross-species amplification in other Gossypium species

Cotton is an important economic crop worldwide; its fiber, commonly known as cotton lint, is the main natural source for the textile industry. Sixty chloroplast microsatellites were identified and characterized from the complete sequence of the Gossypium hirsutum chloroplast genome using a bioinformatic approach. Twenty chloroplast microsatellite loci were polymorphic in the 66 Gossypium germplasm accessions. A total of 85 alleles were detected, with allele numbers varying from 2-7 per locus. Polymorphism information content varied from 0.02-0.66, with a mean of 0.48. Additionally, transferability of the 20 polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite primers was evaluated in other 31 Gossypium species. Sixteen markers were successfully amplified across all species tested, while the remaining 4 markers cross-amplified in most species tested. These polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite markers may be useful tool for studies of individual identification, genetic diversity, evolution, conservation genetics, and molecular breeding in Gossypium.

OTX1 promotes colorectal cancer progression through epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Orthodenticle homeobox 1 (OTX1), a transcription factor containing a bicoid-like homeodomain, plays a role in brain and sensory organ development. In this study, we report that OTX1 is overexpressed in human colorectal cancer (CRC) and OTX1 overexpression is associated with higher stage. Functional analyses reveal that overexpression of OTX1 results in accumulation of CRC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, whereas ablation of OTX1 expression significantly inhibits the proliferative and invasive capability of CRC cells in vitro. Together, our results indicate that OTX1 is involved in human colon carcinogenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for human colorectal cancer.

Correlation between disc displacements and locations of disc perforation in the temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between disc displacement types and locations of disc perforation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

METHODS

157 patients (162 joints) with disc perforation observed through arthroscopy were included in this study. The types of disc displacement were analysed by TMJ MRI before operation. The locations of disc perforation under arthroscopy were recorded. The correlation between types of disc displacement and locations of disc perforation was analysed by Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Medial disc perforation was observed in 55.6% of patients with anterolateral displacement without reduction, but was observed in only 3.7% of patients with pure anterior displacement, and was not observed in patients with anteromedial displacement without reduction. There was a statistically significant difference between these groups in the incidence of medial disc perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a correlation between different disc displacements and locations of disc perforation. The incidence of medial disc perforation in patients with anterolateral displacement was significantly higher. The types of disc displacement may have direct influence over the locations of disc perforation.

Cryoloop vitrification of rabbit oocytes

BACKGROUND

Vitrification is assumed to be a promising method to cryopreserve human oocytes but still needs optimization. In this study, rabbit oocytes (fertilized by ICSI) were vitrified with cryoloops, and the effect of three different cryopreservation protocols on spindle configuration and embryo quality was assessed.

METHODS

Metaphase II rabbit oocytes were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (i) control; (ii) E40 [40% ethylene glycol (EG)]; (iii) ED20 [20% EG + 20% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO)]; and (iv) ED20 + M (20% EG + 20% DMSO + vitrification machine). After warming, one part of each group was fertilized by ICSI to examine the fertilization and embryo cleavage ability, and the others were immunostained for tubulin and chromatin before visualization using confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

The survival rates after warming were 79.1, 83.1 and 82.3%, respectively. In protocols E40 and ED20, the spindles were severely injured and the embryo quality not good compared with those in the ED20 + M group.

CONCLUSIONS

The fastest cooling rate in combination with EG and DMSO as cryoprotectants had the fewest adverse effects on the spindle configuration of rabbit oocytes and embryo development.

[An experimental study on arthroscopic chondrocytes transplantation for repair of osteochondral defects in TMJ]

OBJECTIVE

To certify the feasibility of arthroscopic chondrocytes transplantation in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the nature of repaired tissue with autologous chondrocytes transplantation in osteochondral defects.

METHODS

The animal models of osteochondral defects in TMJ were established in 12 rhesus monkeys. Autologous auricular chondrocytes were transplanted to the defects by arthroscope. Healing of the defects was assessed by gross examination, light microscope, immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

The repaired tissues with chondrocytes transplantation were fibrocartilages.

CONCLUSION

The technique of arthroscopic chondrocytes transplantation is feasible and the nature of repaired tissue is closest to the normal cartilage, compared with those of subchondral drilling and cartilage transplantation.

[A experimental study on arthroscopic auricular cartilage transplantation for repair of osteochondral defect of temporomandibular joint(TMJ)]

OBJECTIVE

To study the feasibility and resurfacing ability of auricular cartilage transplantation for osteochondral defect of TMJ.

METHODS

Arthroscopic auricular cartilage transplantations were undertaken in 12 rhesus monkeys(24 joints) to repair the osteochondral defects in TMJs. The repaired tissues were examined by gross examination, light microscope and immunohistochemistry(IHC) 4 weeks,8 weeks,12 weeks and 24 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

The defects were repaired 8 weeks after operation. As time goes on, the chondrocytes in defects declined and fibroblast increased at the same time. The IHC showed slight positive stain of type II collagen.

CONCLUSION

The osteochondral defects of TMJ can be restored by autologous auricular cartilage. The nature of repaired tissue was fibrocartilage like tissue at first and then fibrotic tissue.

[A experimental study on arthroscopic subchondral drilling for repair of osteochondral defect of temporomandibular joint (TMJ)]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the resurfacing ability of TMJ cartilage of rhesus monkeys with osteochondral defect.

METHODS

3-millimeter-diameter, 5-millimeter-depth, cylindrical full-thickness drilled osteochondral defect of articular cartilage on the functional slope of TMJ were made on 12 rhesus monkeys(24 joints) by arthroscope. Every 3 monkeys were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively and the repaired tissue were studied by gross observation, histology and immunohistochemical staining (IHC).

RESULTS

The repaired tissues after subchondral drilling were dominated with fibrous tissues and IHC showed that Type II collagen stain was negative and Type I collagen stain was positive.

CONCLUSION

The osteochondral defect in TMJ can be repaired by arthroscopic subchondral drilling. The nature of repaired tissue is fibrous connective tissue, something different from normal cartilage. Subchondral drilling can be regarded as one of the treatments for articular cartilage defect.

[Establishment of an animal model of osteochondral defect by arthroscope in TMJ]

OBJECTIVE

To create an animal model of osteochondral defect in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by arthroscope to minimize the surgical injury.

METHODS

Subchondral drilling on the anterior slope of condyle and posterior slope of eminence were performed on 12 rhesus monkeys (24 joints) by arthroscope.

RESULTS

The osteochondral defect models of TMJ were successfully made on 12 monkeys (24 joints).

CONCLUSION

There are fewer injuries and bias in the animal models of TMJ osteochondral defect by arthroscope than by open surgery.

High critical current density and enhanced irreversibility field in superconducting MgB2 thin films

The discovery of superconductivity at 39 K in magnesium diboride offers the possibility of a new class of low-cost, high-performance superconducting materials for magnets and electronic applications. This compound has twice the transition temperature of Nb3Sn and four times that of Nb-Ti alloy, and the vital prerequisite of strongly linked current flow has already been demonstrated. One possible drawback, however, is that the magnetic field at which superconductivity is destroyed is modest. Furthermore, the field which limits the range of practical applications-the irreversibility field H*(T)-is approximately 7 T at liquid helium temperature (4.2 K), significantly lower than about 10 T for Nb-Ti (ref. 6) and approximately 20 T for Nb3Sn (ref. 7). Here we show that MgB2 thin films that are alloyed with oxygen can exhibit a much steeper temperature dependence of H*(T) than is observed in bulk materials, yielding an H* value at 4.2 K greater than 14 T. In addition, very high critical current densities at 4.2 K are achieved: 1 MA cm-2 at 1 T and 105 A cm-2 at 10 T. These results demonstrate that MgB2 has potential for high-field superconducting applications.

Strongly linked current flow in polycrystalline forms of the superconductor MgB2

The discovery of superconductivity at 39 K in magnesium diboride, MgB2, raises many issues, a critical one being whether this material resembles a high-temperature copper oxide superconductor or a low-temperature metallic superconductor in terms of its behaviour in strong magnetic fields. Although the copper oxides exhibit very high transition temperatures, their in-field performance is compromized by their large anisotropy, the result of which is to restrict high bulk current densities to a region much less than the full magnetic-field-temperature (H-T) space over which superconductivity is found. Moreover, the weak coupling across grain boundaries makes transport current densities in untextured polycrystalline samples low and strongly sensitive to magnetic field. Here we report that, despite the multiphase, untextured, microscale, subdivided nature of our MgB2 samples, supercurrents flow throughout the material without exhibiting strong sensitivity to weak magnetic fields. Our combined magnetization, magneto-optical, microscopy and X-ray investigations show that the supercurrent density is mostly determined by flux pinning, rather than by the grain boundary connectivity. Our results therefore suggest that this new superconductor class is not compromized by weak-link problems, a conclusion of significance for practical applications if higher temperature analogues of this compound can be discovered.

Clinical significance of QT dispersion after exercise in patients with previous myocardial infarction

To evaluate the clinical significance of QT dispersion after exercise in patients with previous myocardial infarction, QT dispersion (QTd) and corrected QTd (QTcd) were assessed with standard 12 leads electrocardiogram in 90 patients with previous myocardial infarction and 30 healthy persons before and 3 min after a treadmill exercise test. In addition, 24 h ambulatory electrocardiogram and echo-cardiography were examined in all the subjects studied. Patients were followed up for 37.25 +/- 10.71 months. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the QTd and QTcd between the patients and the controls before exercise (36.11 +/- 13.42 ms versus 34.81 +/- 12.32 ms, P>0.05, 41.22 +/- 13.49 as versus 39.91 +/- 13.56 ms, P>0.05). Compared with those before exercise, QTd and QTcd were significantly increased in the patients 3 min after the exercise test (36.11 +/- 13.42 ms versus 47.20 +/- 14.41 ms, P<0.01, 41.22 +/- 13.49 ms versus 59.57 +/- 18.90 ms, P<0.01), but not in the controls (34.81 +/- 12.32 ms versus 38.76 +/- 12.09 ms, P>0.05, 39.91 +/- 13.56 ms versus 43.27 +/- 17.77 ms, P>0.05). The incidences of abnormal contraction of the left ventricular wall, aneurysms, NYHA III class, >III class of Lown's ventricular arrhythmia classification and cardiac sudden death were significantly higher in group A with QTcd >50 ms than that of group B with QTcd <50 ms (P<0.01). These findings indicate that the increased QT dispersion after exercise in 12 standard leads electrocardiogram might be associated with high incidences of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmia in the patients with previous myocardial infarction.

Regulation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor gene expression by interleukin-17

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) has been previously reported to induce stromal cells to produce a number of hematopoietic and proinflammatory cytokines, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Here, we have evaluated the mechanisms responsible for the augmentation of G-CSF gene expression by IL-17, using the murine 3T3 fibroblast cell line. Treatment of 3T3 cells, but not primary bone marrow-derived macrophages or murine monocyte/macrophage cell lines, resulted in increased steady-state G-CSF mRNA levels within 2-4 h and augmented G-CSF protein production. The combination of IL-17 and LPS enhanced G-CSF expression in an additive fashion. Stability studies revealed that IL-17 stabilized G-CSF mRNA levels, with a t1/2 of 4 h, compared to a t1/2 of less than 2 h in medium or LPS-treated cells. Induction of G-CSF expression in 3T3 cells by IL-17 did not appear to require tyrosine kinase activation or de novo protein synthesis. These studies indicate that post-transcriptional mechanisms play an important role in IL-17-induced G-CSF expression in fibroblasts and suggest that IL-17 may be useful for further delineating mechanisms of G-CSF gene regulation.

A specific stimulator of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor accelerates recovery from cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia in the mouse

We have identified a small molecular weight compound, SCH 14988, which specifically stimulates in vitro granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) production from activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocytes but not other cytokines or CSFs with hematoregulatory activity. In vivo administration of SCH 14988 to mice rendered neutropenic by cyclophosphamide treatment resulted in the accelerated recovery of the peripheral neutrophil compartment. This activity correlated with increased in vivo G-CSF levels and stimulation of marrow granulopoiesis, and was comparable to that of exogenously administered recombinant human G-CSF. No alterations to other leukocyte populations in peripheral blood, spleen, or the peritoneal cavity were observed. These findings suggest that SCH 14988 may be clinically useful to enhance neutrophil granulopoiesis, as well as to study the mechanisms involved in G-CSF gene regulation.

Expression, purification, and characterization of an activated cytokine-suppressive anti-inflammatory drug-binding protein 2 (CSBP2) kinase from baculovirus-infected insect cells

An activated form of the human cytokine-suppressive anti-inflammatory drug-binding protein 2 (CSBP2) kinase was expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (SF9) cells from a baculovirus vector. To maximize expression and to facilitate purification of the recombinant protein, CSBP2 kinase was expressed as a carboxy-terminal fusion protein to glutathione S-transferase (GST). Under optimal conditions, 2-3 mg of GST-CSBP2 could be obtained per liter of infected cell culture. The fusion protein was easily purified from the soluble fraction of the total cell lysate under nondenaturing conditions by using a glutathione-Sepharose 4B affinity resin. As expected, the purified GST-CSBP2 fusion protein was approximately 68 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis and reacted with antibodies directed toward either the GST or the CSBP amino terminus. To obtain activated CSBP2, SF9 cells were coinfected with two recombinant baculovirus vectors: one that directed the synthesis of the GST-CSBP2 fusion protein and a second vector that directed the synthesis of a constitutively active form of the CSBP activating kinase, MKK3. Coexpression of GST-CSBP2 kinase with the MKK3 activator increased GST-CSBP2 activity 8- to 10-fold based on the ability of GST-CSBP2 to phosphorylate the substrate, myelin basic protein (MBP), and the ATF2 transcription factor, in vitro. Moreover, activated GST-CSBP2 was capable of activating a bacterially derived mitogen-activated protein kinase-activating protein kinase 2 in vitro. The activity of insect-derived GST-CSBP2 was also inhibited by the CSBP inhibitor, SB202190. We anticipate that the preparation and purification techniques described in this study will facilitate further biochemical characterization of this kinase.

Ultraviolet A irradiation upregulates type VII collagen expression in human dermal fibroblasts

Type VII collagen, a major component of skin-anchoring fibrils, is synthesized by both fibroblasts and keratinocytes, the two principal cell types in the skin. In this study, we examined the effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation on the expression of type VII collagen in human fibroblasts. UVA irradiation (0-15 J/cm2) caused a dose-dependent increase (5- to 10-fold) in type VII collagen mRNA levels as detected by northern blot analysis. The UVA-induced enhancement of type VII collagen gene expression correlated with an increase in its protein level by immunoblot analysis of proteins secreted into the conditioned medium. The effect of UVA was observed at 12 h and reached its maximum by 18 h. Under these conditions, however, the expression of fibronectin, a major dermal matrix protein, remained unchanged, suggesting that the induction of type VII collagen expression was selective. Actinomycin D, a transcription inhibitor, blocked the UVA-mediated induction of type VII collagen gene expression, whereas cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, superinduced the expression of type VII collagen, suggesting that de novo protein synthesis was not required for the action of UVA. Interestingly, in contrast to the increased type VII collagen expression in fibroblasts in response to UVA, a slight decrease in type VII collagen mRNA level was observed in the UVA-irradiated keratinocytes, suggesting that the effect of UVA on the type VII collagen expression is cell type specific.

Fiducial markers for increasing the versatility of optical correlation in the measurement of faults on integrated-circuit wafers

A microscope-coherent optical processor is used for the measurement of the registration errors on integrated-circuit wafers. The measurements are obtained from the optical correlation of wafers with reference wafer patterns by use of matched spatial filters. Previously, the intricate pattern of the active circuit area of wafers has been used in the correlation process, and a new matched spatial filter had to be created for each different integrated circuit. Here, the results of using comparatively plain fiducial markers on a wafer for the registration-error measurement are presented, and these show that the measurements can be made independent of the design of the integrated circuit while maintaining the advantages and accuracy of the optical correlation technique.

Wafer fault measurement by coherent optical processor

A microscope coherent optical processor based on the VanderLugt optical correlator is applied to the measurement of registration error in multilayer integrated-circuit wafers. A treatment of the effects of wafer faults on the correlation signal is given. Threshold criteria and fault-induced peak splitting of the correlation signal from reject production samples are exploited to demonstrate the easy and rapid detection of faults in partially processed integrated-circuit wafers.

Role of the metF and metJ genes on the vitamin B12 regulation of methionine gene expression: involvement of N5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid

The repression of MetE synthesis in Escherichia coli by vitamin B12 is known to require the MetH holoenzyme (B12-dependent methyltransferase) and the metF gene product. Experiments using trimethoprim, an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase, show that the MetF protein is not directly involved in the repression, but that N5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (N5-methyl-H4-folate), the product of the MetF enzymatic reaction is required. Since the methyl group from N5-methyl-H4-folate is normally transferred to the MetH holoenzyme to form a methyl-B12 enzyme, the present results suggest that a methyl-B12 enzyme is involved in the vitamin B12 repression of metE expression. Other results argue against the possibility that a methyl-B12 enzyme functions in this repression solely by decreasing the cellular level of homocysteine, which is required for MetR activation of metE expression. Experiments with metJ mutants show that the MetJ protein mediates about 50% of the repression of metE expression by B12 but is totally responsible for the regulation of metF expression by vitamin B12.