Search

Objective: To explore the association between polymorphisms of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) among Asian populations, while considering gene-gene interaction and gene-environment interaction., Methods: A total of 1 038 Asian NSCL/P case-parent trios were ascertained from an international consortium, which conducted a genome-wide association study using a case-parent trio design to investigate the genes affec-ting risk to NSCL/P. After stringent quality control measures, 343 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) spanning across 10 pivotal genes in the TGF-β signaling pathway were selected from the original genome-wide association study(GWAS) dataset for further analysis. The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) was used to test for SNP effects. The conditional Logistic regression models were used to test for gene-gene interaction and gene-environment interaction. Environmental factors collected for the study included smoking during pregnancy, passive smoking during pregnancy, alcohol intake during pregnancy, and vitamin use during pregnancy. Due to the low rates of exposure to smoking during pregnancy and alcohol consumption during pregnancy (<3%), only the interaction between maternal smoking during pregnancy and multivitamin supplementation during pregnancy was analyzed. The threshold for statistical significance was rigorously set at P =1.46×10 -4 , applying Bonferroni correction to account for multiple testing., Results: A total of 23 SNPs in 4 genes yielded nominal association with NSCL/P ( P <0.05), but none of these associations was statistically significant after Bonferroni' s multiple test correction. However, there were 6 pairs of SNPs rs4939874 ( SMAD2 ) and rs1864615 ( TGFBR2 ), rs2796813 ( TGFB2 ) and rs2132298 ( TGFBR2 ), rs4147358 ( SMAD3 ) and rs1346907 ( TGFBR2 ), rs4939874 ( SMAD2 ) and rs1019855 ( TGFBR2 ), rs4939874 ( SMAD2 ) and rs12490466 ( TGFBR2 ), rs2009112 ( TGFB2 ) and rs4075748 ( TGFBR2 ) showed statistically significant SNP-SNP interaction ( P <1.46×10 -4 ). In contrast, the analysis of gene-environment interactions did not yield any significant results after being corrected by multiple testing., Conclusion: The comprehensive evaluation of SNP associations and interactions within the TGF-β signaling pathway did not yield any direct associations with NSCL/P risk in Asian populations. However, the significant gene-gene interactions identified suggest that the genetic architecture influencing NSCL/P risk may involve interactions between genes within the TGF-β signaling pathway. These findings underscore the necessity for further investigations to unravel these results and further explore the underlying biological mechanisms.

Objective: To explore the effects of short-term particulate matter (PM) exposure and the melatonin receptor 1B ( MTNR1B ) gene on triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index utilizing data from Fang-shan Family-based Ischemic Stroke Study in China (FISSIC)., Methods: Probands and their relatives from 9 rural areas in Fangshan District, Beijing, were included in the study. PM data were obtained from fixed monitoring stations of the National Air Pollution Monitoring System. TyG index was calculated by fasting triglyceride and glucose concentrations. The associations of short-term PM exposure and rs10830963 polymorphism of the MTNR1B gene with the TyG index were assessed using mixed linear models, in which covariates such as age, sex, and lifestyles were adjusted for. Gene-environment inter-action analysis was furtherly performed using the maximum likelihood methods to explore the potential effect modifier role of rs10830963 polymorphism in the association of PM with TyG index., Results: A total of 4 395 participants from 2 084 families were included in the study, and the mean age of the study participants was (58.98±8.68) years, with 53. 90% females. The results of association analyses showed that for every 10 μg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 concentration, TyG index increased by 0.017 (95% CI : 0.007-0.027), while for per 10 μg/m 3 increment in PM 10 , TyG index increased by 0.010 (95% CI : 0.003-0.017). And the associations all had lagged effects. In addition, there was a positive association between the rs10830963 polymorphism and the TyG index. For per increase in risk allele G, TyG index was elevated by 0.040 (95% CI : 0.004-0.076). The TyG index was 0.079 (95% CI : 0.005-0.152) higher in carriers of the GG genotype compared with carriers of the CC genotype. The interaction of rs10830963 polymorphism with PM exposure had not been found to be statistically significant in the present study., Conclusion: Short-term exposure to PM 2.5 and PM 10 were associated with higher TyG index. The G allele of rs10830963 polymorphism in the MTNR1B gene was associated with the elevated TyG index.

Objective: To investigate the effect of teriparatide on the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in high-glucose microenvironment and explore the possible mechanism., Methods: MC3T3-E1 cells cultured in normal glucose or high-glucose (25 mmol/L) medium were treated with 10 nmol/L teriparatide with or without co-treatment with H-89 (a PKA inhibitor). CCK-8 assay was used to detect the changes in cell proliferation, and cAMP content in the cells was determined with ELISA. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodules in the cells were detected using ALP kit and Alizarin red staining, respectively. The changes in cell morphology were detected by cytoskeleton staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of PKA, CREB, RUNX2 and Osx in the treated cells., Results: The treatments did not result in significant changes in proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells ( P > 0.05). Compared with the cells in routine culture, the cells treated with teriparatide showed significantly increased cAMP levels ( P < 0.05) with enhanced ALP activity and increased area of mineralized nodules ( P < 0.05). Teriparatide treatment also resulted in more distinct visualization of the cytoskeleton in the cells and obviously up-regulated the mRNA expressions of PKA, CREB, RUNX2 and Osx ( P < 0.05). The opposite changes were observed in cells cultured in high glucose. In cells exposed to high glucose, treatment with teriparatide significantly increased cAMP levels ( P < 0.05), ALP activity and the area of mineralized nodules ( P < 0.05) and enhanced the clarity of the cytoskeleton and mRNA expressions of PKA, CREB, RUNX2 and Osx; the effects of teriparatide was strongly antagonized by co-treatment with H-89 ( P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Teriparatide can promote osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in high-glucose microenvironment possibly by activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of horizontal penetration needling combined with rizatriptan monobenzoate tablets, simple horizontal penetration needling and simple rizatriptan monobenzoate tablets for migraine without aura in acute stage., Methods: A total of 99 patients with migraine without aura in acute stage were randomized into an acupuncture plus medication group, an acupuncture group and a western medication group, 33 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, horizontal penetration needling was applied once at Hanyan (GB 4) to Xuanli(GB 6), Shenting (GV 24) to Yintang (GV 29), Baihui (GV 20) to Qianding (GV 21), etc. for 2 h. In the western medication group, oral rizatriptan monobenzoate tablets for 10 mg were given once. In the acupuncture plus medication group, treatment of acupuncture combined with rizatriptan monobenzoate tablets were given, the application was the same as the acupuncture group and the western medication group. Before treatment and 0.5, 2, 24 h after treatment, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was observed, the remission rate and the disappearance rate of migraine of 2, 24 h after treatment were compared in the 3 groups., Results: Compared before treatment, the VAS scores of each time point after treatment were decreased in the 3 groups ( P <0.05), and the changes in the acupuncture plus medication group were greater than those in the acupuncture group and the western medication group ( P <0.05). The remission rates of 24 h after treatment and the disappearance rates of migraine of 2, 24 h after treatment in the acupuncture plus medication group were higher than those in the acupuncture group and the western medication group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: Horizontal penetration needling combined with rizatriptan monobenzoate tablets have significant therapeutic effect on rapid analgesia and continuous analgesia for migraine without aura in acute stage, its effect is superior to simple horizontal penetration needling and simple rizatriptan monobenzoate tablets.

Objective: To identify new therapeutic targets for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) by analyzing gene variations in IDD., Objective: We analyzed surgical samples of intervertebral disc from 4 patients with IDD and 3 patients with non-IDD using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to identify significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in IDD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were utilized for gene enrichment studies to acquire the key genes and signal pathways during IDD progression. The differential expressions of the identified genes in IDD were validated in clinical samples with qRT-PCR., Objective: The transcriptome profile revealed 512 significant DEGs, which were enriched in terms of keratinization, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, growth factor binding, and inflammatory chemotaxis in GO analysis. The top 10 terms of KEGG enrichment included amoebiasis, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor, ECM-receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, TNF signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway and estrogen signaling pathway. Thirteen DEGs selected as the targets for qRT-PCR validation showed significant differential expressions in IDD ( P < 0.001), and their expression trends were all consistent with the results of RNA-seq. Among these genes, 10 genes showed significant intergroup fold change (Log2FoldChange>1)., Objective: ECM, growth factors, collagen components, inflammatory chemokines and such signal pathways as TNF-α and PI3K-Akt all have important contributions to IDD progression and may thus serve as new therapeutic targets for treatment of IDD.

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome caused by the host reaction disorder induced by infection, which leads to serious organ function damage. Sepsis is a serious disease with high mortality, which is the main reason of death caused by infection. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) is one of the most common genetic variants in human, and is closely related to the genetic susceptibility, early diagnosis, disease development and prognosis of sepsis. This article makes a review on the relationship between CD14, Toll like receptor (TLR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and other gene polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility of sepsis, in order to affect in sepsis on the early prediction, diagnosis, and treatment.

The manipulation and key points of professor FAN Gang - qi 's horizontal penetration needling method for headache were introduced. This acupuncture method selects local acupoints of head, including occipital acupoint group, temporal acupoint group, frontal acupoint group and vertex acupoint group. The needles are shallowly and horizontally inserted at acupoints, with needle end towards the focus or headache site. The needle retaining time is long (6 h). This method is commonly used in the treatment of migraine, cervicogenic headache and tension-type headache. The manipulation is standard with better repeatability.

Objective: To explore the effect of down-regulation of growth arrest and DNA damage inducible protein 45β (GADD45β) on the PC9 lung adenocarcinoma cells.
 Methods: GADD45β gene siRNA sequence was designed and synthesized, which was transfected into PC9 lung adenocarcinoma cells through lentivirus transfection. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot are used to examine the mRNA and protein levels of GADD45β in PC9 cells before and after the transfection. Annexin V-allophycocyanin (APC) double-staining flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis level after the transfection. The intracellular DNA content after transfection was detected by flow cytometry. The percentage of the cells at each period of cell cycle was calculated, and the effect of RNA interference on the cell growth were analyzed. The effects of RNA interference on the tumor-formation ability of cells were tested by counting the number of clones. MTT assay was used to test the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of PC9 cells for gefitinib. 
 Results: The 5'-AAATCCACTTCACGCTCAT-3' sequence was identified as the effective sequence for GADD45β gene RNA interference. The mRNA and protein expression levels of GADD45β were markedly decreased (both P<0.05) at 48 h after transfection of GADD45β-siRNA, which resulted in the increased apoptosis rate (P<0.05), decreased tumor clone number (P<0.05) and increased percentage of PC9 cell at the S stage and G2/M stage (P<0.05). The IC50 for gefitinib was decreased obviously (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: Down-regulation of GADD45β can reduce the colony-forming ability of PC9 cells, promote the cell apoptosis, and enhance the sensitivity of PC9 cells to gefitinib.

Objective: To study the coagulation properties the refrigerated whole blood stored at 4℃., Methods: Ten units of whole blood were obtained from healthy volunteer donors and stored at 4±2℃ for 21 days. Samples were collected on the day after donation and on days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14 and 21 for delection including complete blood count, electrolyte, APTT, PT, Fg, blood coagulation factors, and thromboelastography(TEG)., Results: The levels of Hb, WBC, Plt, sodium and potassium in each sample accorded with standard of storing whole blood. The level of Hb, WBC, Plt and Na + decreased along with prolonging of storage time, while the K + level increased along with prolonging of stored time, APTT and PT prolonged along with prolonging of thored time, PT>17 min at d 21, the Fg level change was no-obvious, The level of factor Ⅴ and Ⅷ decreased more than 50 % of baseline on d 6 and 4 respectively; the levels of factor Ⅱ, Ⅶ, Ⅸ, Ⅹ, Ⅺ, Ⅻ showed decreasing trend, but their levels were less than 40 % of baseline values at d 21. TEG test showed that no abnormalily of R value was found, the abnormal valnes of K and Angle were observed at d 21, the abnormal value of MA was observed at d 14., Conclusion: The whole blood stored for 10 days possesses normal coagulation function showing important significance for treatment of hemorrhage from war injury and surgical openation of heart and chest.

Objective: To detect potential mutation in a family affected with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II (CDA II)., Methods: Targeted sequence capture and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used to analyze the exons and exon-intron boundaries of the SEC23B gene in a clinically suspected CDA II patient. Genotypes of the relatives were validated by Sanger sequencing. Potential impact of amino acid substitution on the structure and function of SEC23B protein was predicted with MutationTaster and PolyPhen-2. The protein structure was predicted with SWISS-MODEL software., Results: The proband was found to harbor double heterozygous mutations of the SEC23B gene, c.1727T>C (p.F576S) and c.1831C>T (p.R611W), which resulted in amino acid substitutions p.F576S and p.R611W. Both mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The sister of the proband was found to have carried c.1727T>C (p.F576S), while her father and son have carried c.1831C>T (p.R611W) mutation. In addition, the proband was detected to have carried c.211C>T (p.R71X) of the HFE gene, which resulted in substitution of arginine by a stop codon. The impact of above mutations on the structure or function of protein was predicted to be harmful. Splenectomy and iron chelation therapy have achieved effective improvement of anemia and iron overload. Computer simulation suggested that the mutations have altered the 3D structure of the SEC23B protein., Conclusion: The novel compound mutations of c.1727T>C and c.1831C>T of the SEC23B gene probably underlie the CDA II in the family, and there is a strong correlation between the genotype and phenotype.

Objective: To study the disease characteristics in cases with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV). Method: The characteristics and clinical features of 384 cases with BPPV were retrospectively analyzed,and all cases were treated with repositioning maneuver.The treatment outcomes were observed and analyzed during the follow-up period. Result: ①Of the 384 cases,331(86.20%) cases were PC-BPPV, 47(12.24%) cases were HC-BPPV and 3(0.78%) cases were AC-BPPV, 3(0.78%) cases were combined semicircular canal BPPV. ②All cases underwent repositioning maneuver, PC-BBPV cases first efficiency was 93.66%, long-term (six months) efficiency was 96.68%; HC-BBPV cases first efficiency was 91.49%, long-term (six months) efficiency was 95.74%;AC-BPPV cases first efficiency and long-term efficiency were 66.67%;combined semicircular canal BPPV cases first efficiency and long-term efficiency were 66.67%.③Among 331 cases with PC-BBPV, cases diagnosed duct stones accounted for 96.37%,cases diagnosed crest stones accounted for 3.63%. Among 47 cases with HC-BBPV, cases diagnosed duct stones accounted for 78.72%，cases diagnosed crest stones accounted for 21.28%.④During the follow-up of six months,the recurrence rate was 12.76%(49/384). Conclusion: ①In BPPV cases of Guangxi,the ratio of male and female,age of onset and the incidence of BPPV in each semicircular canal are consistent with other literatures.Geographical and ethnic factors do not affect the above results.②Repositioning maneuver is an simple and effective treatment for cases with BPPV.③There is higher recurrence rate in cases with BPPV after repositioning maneuver., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.)

Objective: This study was aimed to reveal the bacterial community characteristics of rearing water of marine recirculating aquaculture system for yellow grouper (Epinephelus awoara), and compare the differences between bacterial community structure of healthy rearing water and sick rearing water in order to elucidate the relationship between bacterial community and fish disease., Methods: The next generation sequencing method was used, and the bacterial community structure and α-diversity indices (species richness, species evenness and phylogenetic diversity) between the rearing water of healthy and diseased groups were studied and compared. In addition, the traditional cultivation method was used to isolate suspected pathogens from the niduses of diseased yellow groupers., Results: There was no significant difference between the α-diversities of healthy and diseased rearing water bodies, however, the results of principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and the sample clustering of heatmap showed that the bacterial communities of healthy and diseased rearing water bodies were quite different. Although phyla Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroidetes were all the predominant ones in both communities, their relative abundance varied greatly. In diseased community, the relative abundances of α-Proteobacteria (25.07%) and γ-Protebacteria (22.74%) were similar, whereas the proportion of γ-Protebacteria (40.49%) was much higher than α-Proteobacteria (10.87%) in the healthy community. The differences of Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroidetes between the healthy and the diseased rearing water were also significant with relative abundances of 10.9% and 26.4%, and 20.9% and 12.3%, respectively. The significantly different families were Rhodobacteraceae and Rhodospirillaceae within class α-Proteobacteria; Alteromonadaceae and HTCC2188 within class γ-Protebacteria; Verrucomicrobiaceae within Verrucomicrobia; Cryomorphaceae within Bacteroidetes. The healthy and the diseased communities owned specific core microbes themselves. Glaciecola, HTCC, Sediminicola and Prevotella were the core genera in healthy rearing water, and Vibrio, Rubritalea and Oleibacter in diseased rearing water. Twenty strains of Vibrio spp. and one of Acinetobacter haemolyticus were isolated from skin, liver and spleen of diseased yellow grouper., Conclusion: The shift of bacterial community structure and relative abundance of rearing water will help monitor the healthy status of recirculating aquaculture system. Our study provides theory and experimental basis to diagnosis and monitor of Vibrio disease for yellow grouper recirculating aquaculture system.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of chinese traditional treatment after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for patients with chronic sinusitis., Method: Eighty-eight cases of patients with chronic sinusitis were randomly divided into control group and treatment group after FESS and followed for 3 months. The control group received routine treatment. The treatment group received Chinese traditional treatment on the basis of routine treatment. VAS scores, Lund-Kennedy scores and Lund-Mackay scores were employed to conduct the subjective and objective assessment, comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy before and after treatment., Result: (1) After 3 months of treatment, the two groups of VAS scores and Lund-Mackay scores were significantly improved before treatment (P<0. 05). (2)After 3 months of treatment, the effectiveness of the control group was 81. 8%, treatment group was 97. 7%, the difference was statistically significant(P<0. 05)., Conclusion: Chinese traditional treatment after FESS can reduce postoperative mucosal edema and promote the postoperative recovery of sinus mucosal inflammation, is effective in preventing the recurrence of postoperative.

Objective: To establish a whole blood leukocyte phagocytosis assay for Candida albicans (C.albicans) based on flow cytometry (FCM)., Methods: C.albicans of mid-logarithmic growth phase was labeled by fluorescence probe carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFDA-SE), and then added into CD45-PC5 pre-stained human whole blood cells at a 10:1 multiplicity of infection (MOI) in 37DegreesCelsius. The cells were incubated for 10, 30 and 60 minutes. Phagocytosis rate of C.albicans by the CD45 positive cells in the blood was determined by FCM., Results: In yeast extract peptone dextrose medium (YPD) and under the conditions of 37DegreesCelsius and 50 mL/L CO2, the logarithmic growth phase of C.albicans SC5314 was from the 5th to 11th hour. C.albicans were well stained by 10 mmol/L CFDA-SE after 30-minute incubation. After 10-, 30- and 60-minute incubation with SC5314 C.albicans with CD45⁺ cells, the phagocytosis rates measured by FCM were (80.1 ± 6.1)%, (83.8 ± 7.7)% and (92.3 ± 11.2)% for the neutrophils, (11.2 ± 3.6)%, (15.8 ± 4.4)% and (27.7 ± 6.8)% for the monocytes and (0.9 ± 0.3)%, (0.8 ± 0.4)% and (5.2 ± 1.6)% for the lymphocytes., Conclusion: The method for measuring whole blood leukocyte phagocytosis of C.albicans based on FCM is successfully established, and 30 minutes are the proper incubation time for the phagocytosis assay.

The low butanol concentration of acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation causes uneconomical product recovery. In this work, the effect of small molecule non-ionic surfactants on butanol fermentation was evaluated, using laboratory stocks of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824. Non-ionic surfactants substantially increased butanol production when additive amount was higher than 1% (W/W). Butanol concentration reached 16.9 g/L with 5% (W/W) Tween 80 and 100 g/L glucose in a 5 L fermenter. It was found that surfactants micelle solubilization capacity to butanol was very limited, indicating that butanol could hardly enter the surfactants micelle. Butanol production improvement was probably caused by cell surface hydrophobicity change due to surfactants adsorption.

Objective: To construct prokaryotic expression plasmids of Candida albicans gene phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (pgk-1) and examine the immunogenicity of the recombinant protein., Methods: The full-length coding sequence of pgk-1 was amplified by PCR and cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET30a. The 6×His-tagged protein was induced by IPTG in E.coli BL-21(DE3) and the recombinant protein was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The BALB/c mice were immunized with the purified recombinant protein to evaluate the antigenicity of the recombinant protein by ELISA., Results: The full-length pgk-1 gene was cloned from SC5314 genome and pET-30a-pgk-1 was successfully constructed. The recombinant protein PGK-1 was highly expressed in E.coli with a relative molecule mass of 54 810. ELISA indicated that the titer of the antibody was about 1:1024., Conclusion: PGK-1 was successfully expressed by prokaryotic expression system and the recombinant protein showed favorable immunogenicity in mice.

Objective: We clarified the pathogenic influence of the absence of Streptococcus suis type 2 capsular saliva acid on BLAB/c mice., Methods: The virulence of the experimental strains were compared; the distribution of strains in vivo was determined by quantitative plating. Histopathological analysis was used to qualitatively compare the different pathogenicity of wild strain and knockout strains. ELISA was used to test the levels of cytokine in whole blood cells for the stimulation of strains., Results: The virulence of mutant strains was significantly reduced, and when the genes were restored, toxicity levels were recovered to that of the wild type strain. The distribution in blood and in the brain between wild strain and knock out strains has significant difference, and Streptococcus suis type 2 strains can cause different degrees of brain damage. During the in vitro test, the mutant strains can stimulate the whole blood cells to secrete higher levels of MCP-1 and IL-6., Conclusion: Capsular saliva acid affects bacterial virulence and host cell inflammation response. As an important virulence factor of Streptococcus suis type 2, it can damage the blood brain barrier and cause meningitis.

Objective: To compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of brucine following intravenous administration of liposomes, containing total alkaloids from seed of Strychnos nux-vomica, to rats with different phospholipids composition., Method: Liposomes containing the total alkaloids were prepared by the method of ammonium sulfate transmembrane gradients and stealth liposome technique. The contents of total alkaloids and brucine in liposomes were determined and compared after free drug being removed. After intravenous administration of total alkaloids solution or liposomes with different composition, plasma samples were drawn at predetermined time points and the concentrations of brucine were determined by a validated method of HPLC. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed by 3P97 program., Result: The ratios of brucine to total alkaloids in liposomes hardly varied with phospholipids composition. Compared with SPC liposome, AUC of brucine was increased 13.3-fold and apparent volume of distribution was decreased to only 3.6% following intravenous administration of HSPC liposome. In addition, besides that AUC of brucine was slightly increased, most pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly changed after administration of the novel liposome compared with those of SPC liposome., Conclusion: Phospholipids composition has a significant influence on the pharmacokinetics of brucine after intravenous administration of liposomes containing total alkaloids from seed of S. nux-vomica.

Objective: To compare the pharmaceutical properties and the anti-tumor activities of three kinds of stealth liposomes prepared with different phospholipid composition containing brucine., Method: Stealth liposomes with different phospholipids composition, such as soybean phosphatidycholine (SPC), hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) and the complex of SPC and HSPC, were prepared by ammonium sulfate transmembrane gradient method. Pharmaceutical properties such as shape, encapsulation efficiency and size of three stealth liposomes were compared intensively. Anti-tumor activity of SPC, HSPC and novel stealth liposomes composed of both SPC and HSPC were compared by established mouse liver cancer H22 model. Meanwhile, the mice body weight and immune organ weight were also compared., Result: The encapsulation efficiency of novel, SPC and HSPC stealth liposomes were 77.7%, 64.8% and 74.8%, respectively. The mean diameters of them were less than 100 nm. The tumor inhibition rate of novel, HSPC and SPC stealth liposomes were 57.88%, 49.15%, 23.37%, respectively. The mice body weight, thymus gland index of three stealth liposomes group and spleen index of novel stealth liposomes group had no significant difference with the negative group while SPC and HSPC stealth liposomes group increased the spleen index., Conclusion: Phospholipids composition is the key factor which determines the antitumor activity of brucine-loaded stealth liposomes.

Objective: Tissue engineered bone (TEB) lacks of an effective and feasible method of storage and transportation. To evaluate the activity of osteogenesis and capability of ectopic osteogenesis for TEB after freeze-dried treatment in vitro and in vivo and to explore a new method of preserving and transporting TEB., Methods: Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and decalcified bone matrix (DBM) were harvested from bone marrow and bone tissue of the healthy donators. TEB was fabricated with the 3rd passage hBMSCs and DBM, and they were frozen and dried at extremely low temperatures after 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 15 days of culture in vitro to obtain freeze-dried tissue engineered bone (FTEB). TEB and FTEB were observed by gross view and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Western blot was used to detect the changes of relative osteogenic cytokines, including bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) between TEB and FTEB. The ectopic osteogenesis was evaluated by the methods of X-ray, CT score, and HE staining after TEB and FTEB were transplanted into hypodermis space in athymic mouse., Results: SEM showed that the cells had normal shape in TEB, and secretion of extracellular matrix increased with culture time; in FTEB, seeding cells were killed by the freeze-dried process, and considerable extracellular matrix were formed in the pore of DBM scaffold. The osteogenic cytokines (BMP-2, TGF-beta1, and IGF-1) in TEB were not decreased after freeze-dried procedure, showing no significant difference between TEB and FTEB (P > 0.05) except TGF-beta1 15 days after culture (P < 0.05). The ectopic osteogenesis was observed in TEB and FTEB groups 8 and 12 weeks after transplantation, there was no significant difference in the calcified level of grafts between TEB and FTEB groups by the analysis of X-ray and CT score. On the contrary, there was no ectopic osteogenesis in group DBM 12 weeks after operation. HE staining showed that DBM scaffold degraded and disappeared 12 weeks after operation., Conclusion: The osteogenic activity of TEB and FTEB is similar, which provides a new strategy to preserve and transport TEB.

Objective: The combined application of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and confocal laser scanning microscope three-dimensional reconstruction (CLSM-3DR) were used to monitor the construction and in vivo transplantation of tissue engineered bone (TEB), to provide for technology in selection of scaffolds and three-dimensional constructional methods., Methods: After bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated from a 2-year-old green goat by a combination method of density gradient centrifugation and adherent culture, and the expressions of CD29, CD60L, CD45, and CD44 in BMSCs were detected by flow cytometry. Plasmid of pLEGFP-N1 was amplified, digested by enzymes (Hind III, BamH I, Sal I, and Bgl II), and identified. Transfection of pLEGFP-N1 into PT67 cells was performed under the help of liposome. Positive PT67 cells were picked out with G418, and proliferated for harvesting virus. Based on the titre of virus, after BMSCs were infected by virus containing pLEGFP-N1, GFP positive BMSCs were collected and proliferated for seeding cells. TEB was fabricated by GFP positive BMSCs and decalcified bone matrix (DBM) and observed by CLSM-3DR for the evaluation of the distribution and proliferation of seeding cells. After TEB was transplanted in the defect of goat femur, CLSM was used for observing the survival and distribution of GFP positive cells in the grafts., Results: The isolated cells were fibroblast-like amorphous, with the positive expression of CD29 and CD44, and negative expression of CD60L and CD45. The digested production of pLEGFP-N1 was collected for ionophoresis, whose results showed the correct fragment length (6 900 bp). The virus of pLEGFP-N 1 was harvested by transfection of pLEGFP-N1 into PT67 cells and used for further infection to obtain GFP positive BMSCs. The proliferated GFP positive BMSCs and DBM were used for fabrication of TEB. The distribution, proliferation, and migration of BMSCs in TEB were observed by CLSM-3DR. GFP positive cells also were observed in images of TEB graft in goat femur 28 days after transplantation., Conclusion: The BMSCs labeled by GFP in three-dimensional scaffold in vivo were monitored well by CLSM-3DR. It suggests a wide use potency in monitoring of three-dimensional cultured TEB.

GdPO4 : Tm3+ and Sr3Gd (PO4)3 : Tm3+ samples were prepared by solid state reaction. The properties of structure, VUV excitation and luminescence under VUV excitation were studied. GdPO4 : Tm3+ belongs to the monoclinic space group, and the crystal structure does not change as the crystal lattice is doped with Tm ions. The excitation spectra of GdPO4 : Tm3+ show strong absorption at 164 and 210 nm due the to host and the 8S(7/2)-6G(J) transition of Gd3+, respectively. The emission spectra of GdPO4 : Tm3+ reveal two intense and sharp emission peaks (453 nm and 363 nm) under 166 nm VUV excitation. The chief emission is at 453 nm from the typical Tm3+ D2 --> 3 H4 (22, 123 cm(-1) transition. The emission spectra of Sr3Gd (PO4)3 : Tm3+ at 363 nm is weakened, while the blue emission at 453 nm is strengthened because the excitation spectra of Sr3 Gd (PO4)3 : Tm3+ at 166 nm are higher than that of GdPO4 : Tm3+.

CaMgSiOs6 : Eu samples were synthesized by a normal solid state reaction using CaCO3, MgO, SiO2 and Eu2O3 as starting materials. The properties of structure, VUV excitation and luminescence under VUV excitation were studied. CaMgSi2O6 : Eu belongs to the monoclinic space group, and the crystal structure does not change as the crystal lattice is doped with Eu ions. The emission spectra of CaMgSi2O6 : Eu3+ have revealed an intense and sharp (611 nm) red color emission from Eu3+ ((5)D0-->(7)F2) transition under 147 nm VUV excitation. The correlative data shows that the concentration quenching occurs when the Eu3+ mole concentration ranges from 0.02 to 0.10 mol. The emission spectra of CaMgSi2O6 : Eu2+ have revealed an intense and sharp (452 nm) blue color emission from Eu2+ (5d-->4f) transition under 172 nm VUV excitation. It can be seen that the intensity of the emission peak increases with increasing H3BO3 concentration.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and the value of CAUP in treatment of OSAHS., Method: CAUP and the dissection of palatopharyngeus muscle were performed by RFVTR . One hundred and sixty-eight patients with OSAHS treated by CAUP from July 2001 to July 2004 were summarized. Among them, 52 patients were analyzed by PSG after 1 year of the operation., Result: All the operative procedure were carried out smoothly with excellent patient tolerance. Post-operation complications were foreign body feeling in oral cavity. No velopalatal insufficiency occurred. The efficient rate was 94.2% after 1 year of the operation according to the PSG results., Conclusion: CAUP is a simple, safe,repeatable and acceptable surgical procedure and it was developing with excellent value in the treatment of OSAHS on the basic of accurate X-ray imaging.

Based on the theory of risk analysis and the nearest 50 years practical unit yield and meteorological data of North China winter wheat region, this paper discussed the assessment of winter wheat yield loss risk and its classification. The mean yield reduction rate of past years, variation coefficient of yield reduction rate in disaster years, different yield reduction rate and its occurrence probability, and disasters-resistance index were selected as the risk assessment indices, and the assessment showed that the distribution of these indices in the region had evident regional differentiation and certain continuity. The model of integrated risk index of North China winter wheat yield loss was established on the basis of the assessment, and the classification index of the risk was put forward. According to the classification result, North China winter wheat region was divided into three risk types, i.e., high risk type mainly including the Loess Plateau areas of Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces and the parts of North China Plain, medium risk type including the northeastern part of North China Plain, south Henan Province and Taihang Moutain region, and low risk type including most parts of North China Plain and the central Shanxi plain.

Objective: To discuss the avoidance strategies of severe perioperative complications in surgical treatments of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS)., Method: 180 cases of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty(UPPP) and 1 case of nose bleeding were analyzed, 10 cases of severe complications reported., Results: 1 case of Angina pectoris and 1 case of infarction 3 case of nasopharyngeal stenosis, 3 cases pharyngeal bleeding, 1 case of palatal incompetence, 1 case of death occurred postoperatively., Conclusion: OSAHS is a systemic disease syndrome. The perioperative treatments is very important for the prevention of some severe complications occurrence.

In this paper, poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA), MDI chain-extending poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA/MDI) and MDI chain-extending poly(D,L-lactide)/hydroxyapatite composite (PDLLA/HA/MDI) were prepared respectively and the effects of moulding and extruding conditions on their mechanical properties were also investigated. At the optimal conditions, bending strength of PDLLA and PDLLA/MDI is 35.1 MPa and 51.3 MPa, respectively, and their bending modulus is 2413.6 MPa and 1830.9 MPa, respectively. Bending strength of PDLLA/HA and PDLLA/HA/MDI is 31.2 MPa and 55.4 MPa, respectively, and their bending modulus is 1735.0 MPa and 2068.5 MPa, respectively. These results have shown that the mechanical properties of PDLLA/MDI and PDLLA/HA/MDI have enhanced significantly by MDI chain-extending.

Objective: To distinguish the different permeation function between sodium glycocholic acid (SGC) and Azone, and study the pathological changes induced by Azone on nasal mucosa., Methods: Insulin was given intravenouslly at the dose of 4.0 U. The blood samples were determined by radioimmunity method. SGC or Azone was administered respectively via nasal route with Insulin 270 U/ml. Insulin nasal drops 10 microL were given to each of rabbits via nasal route. The Azone 50 microL was administered via nasal route, t.i.d., lasted for 1 week and 3 months., Results: The level of blood Insulin was as follows: (3,954.47 +/- 644.47) mU/L, AUC = (1,264.87 +/- 148.00) mU.L-1.min-1 x 10(-3) in i.v. group; (740.44 +/- 94.16) mU/L, AUC = (298.02 +/- 63) mU.L-1.min-1 x 10(-3) in SGC group; (908.18 +/- 201.19) mU/L, AUC = (596.92 +/- 84.00) mU.L-1.min-1 x 10(-3) in Azone group. The bioavailability was 23.56% and 47.19% respectively. The pathological changes included cilia detachment from epithelium, glandular hypertrophy and connective tissue proliferation., Conclusion: It was found that Azone was an excellent permeation enhance which promoted more Insulin to be absorbed into blood stream through nasal mucosa. However, Azone also damaged the nasal mucosa in the view of pathology.

Objective: To observe the changes of endogenous extracellular adenosine after spinal cord injury (SCI) to rats and the effect of exogenous adenosine on extracellular calcium after SCI and post-injury neurological function., Methods: A ventral compression injury model of T13 spinal cord was used, and the extracellular fluids were collected consecutively every 20 minutes after injury by using microdialysis. Adenosine in the samples was analyzed using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with u.v. detection. The rats received different doses of 2-chloroadenosine (2-CADO), a nonspecific agonist of adenosine receptors, by intrathecal injection 15 minutes before injury. The extracellular fluid was collected every 10 minutes immediately after injury and the calcium was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Neurological function score, inclined plane angle, and histology were observed 24 hours after injury., Results: A significant increase of adenosine was found immediately after spinal cord injury. The concentration of adenosine peaked at one hour after injury and dropped down to the basal level. There was a positive relation between the increase of adenosine and the severity of SCI. High dose of 2-CADO can significantly significantly inhibit the decrease of extracellular calcium and improve the neurological function of injured rats., Conclusions: Adenosine could involve the pathological process of secondary spinal cord injury and might play a protective role in SCI.

Objective: To investigate the long term outcome and complication of selective posterior rhizotomy for spastic cerebral palsy., Method: 26 patients with cerebral palsy who had received SPR were followed up for four years., Result: In the 9 patients who could walk and stand up from squatting position independently, 7 could stand steadily on one foot after operation. In the 12 who patients could walk and stand up from squatting position dependently, 7 could walk independently in the room after operation. In 5 patients couldn't walk and stand up from squatting position, 3 patients could walk dependently in the room after operation. Complications occurred in 3 patients., Conclusion: Selective posterior rhizotomy is effective in the treatment of spastic cerebral palsy. Strictly selecting candidates for the operation and good rehabilitation training before and after operation should be emphasized for good results.

A insecticidal protein was purified by gel-filtration chromatography on Sephadex G-100 and anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50 from the suspension of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes culture. Certain biophysical and biochemical properties were also studied. The molecular weight of the subunit of the insecticidal protein is 25,100 and pI is 5.16. Amino acid composition analysis showed that it is an acidic protein.

To investigate the relationship between mitochondrial enzyme activities and mitochondrial function after cervical cord injury, cervical cord model was prepared using Allen method in cats. Changes in mitochondrial Na+, K(+)-ATPase, Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and mitochondrial function in cervical cord were observed by different biochemical methods. The results showed that mitochondrial Na+, K(+)-ATPase, CA2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase, SOD activities decreased; mitichondral respiratory control rate (RCR), P/O ratio and oxidative phosphorylation rate (OPR) were also depressed is compared with control group (P < 0.05), but MDA level significantly increased compared to control group (P < 0.01). The results demonstrate that there is close correlation, between mitochondrial ATPase. SOD activities and mitochondral function, suggesting that mitochondrial pathophysiological alteration plays important roles in the secondary damage after cervical cord injury.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) was detected by ABC-ELISA in rat normal spinal cord, spinal cord with mild contusion of 25gcm, and that with mild contusion plus a single intramuscular injection of large dose of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) (80 mg/kg). The mean preinjury NGF level in spinal cord was 10.2 +/- 2.8ng/g. Following injury, NGF level in spinal cord began to increase progressively. NGF level in spinal cord without treatment was attenuated to 30.32 +/- 0.32, 89.51 +/- 2.14, 66.02 +/- 1.51, 50.32 +/- 1.23 and 46.23 +/- 1.42ng/g at 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days respectively, while in cord spinal with MPSS treatment it was 121.98 +/- 4.05, 119.56 +/- 1.45, 80.39 +/- 1.50, 68.31 +/- 0.77 and 59.86 +/- 0.97 ng/g at 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, respectively. This result suggests that a single large dose of MPSS enhances NGF level in injured spinal cord with a peak at day 4. The implication of this article is that the changes of NGF level in spinal cord are relevant to spinal cord self-recovery.