Search

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to perform a systematic literature search and conduct a meta-analysis of studies comparing clinical and functional outcomes of open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) using a volar plate and closed reduction with casting for distal radius fracture in older adults (60 years of age). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive electronic search was done for PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Google scholar databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the two treatment modalities for functional and clinical outcomes were eligible to be included. RESULTS: A total of 5 RCTs were included. The pooled estimates suggested reduced DASH scores (WMD 5.62; 95% CI, -8.55, -2.69) and improved grip strength [Grip strength compared to the contralateral side (%): WMD 13.07; 95% CI, 6.11, 20.02] in subjects receiving ORIF with volar plating. There were no significant differences in the range of motion of the wrist joint, pain scores, and rates of complications between the two treatment modalities. The overall quality of the included studies was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that older adults treated with volar plating for fracture of distal radius have better DASH scores and improved grip strengths. However, improved DASH scores may not be clinically relevant. Furthermore, there may be no difference in pain scores, ROM, and the rates of complications between the two treatment modalities. Further trials with large sample size are required to provide more robust evidence on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlON phosphors with different Eu2+ doping concentrations were synthesized by solid-state reaction method. Two Eu2+ doping sites were confirmed by temperature-dependent emission intensity, band shift and biexponential decay studies. High internal quantum efficiency and tunable chromaticity coordinates make AlON:Eu2+ phosphor a suitable candidate for white light-emitting diodes application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γ-AlON:Er3+ phosphors with different Er3+ concentration for upconversion luminescence were prepared by a combination of carbothermal reduction and nitridation and solid-state synthesis methods. The effect of Er3+ content on emission spectra was investigated. Under the excitation of 980 nm diode laser, green emission centered at 548 nm and red emission centered at 666 nm were observed, which are ascribed to the transition of 4S3/2/2H11/2→4I15/2 and 4F9/2→4I15/2 of Er3+ ions, respectively. The pump power dependence indicates a two-photon process involved in the upconversion luminescence. The ratio of red emission relative to green emission was enhanced with the increase in Er3+ concentration. The possible mechanisms were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stormwater management is the core of sponge city construction whose essence is to solve the urban water problem by means of seepage, storage, purification, utilization and drainage. From the environmental geology point of view, this paper mainly consider the geological properties of sponge capacity in the construction of sponge city. Based on a large number of in-situ water infiltration tests and boreholes, two indexes that sponge infiltration and sponge storage are put forward to study and analyze the maximum depth of rainfall infiltration and the infiltration velocity of surface soil under the original sponge geological conditions. These two indexes can directly and effectively represent and summarize the environmental geological suitability in the construction of sponge cities. Moreover, these two indexes are easy to understand, have a strong universality, and easy to promote. Finally, taking Xinxiang city in central China as an example, the environmental geological suitability of Xinxiang sponge city construction is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether ischemic postconditioning will lighten hepatic apoptosis caused by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting the mitochondria pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pathomorphology of hepatic tissues in rats was observed under an optical microscope after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Hepatic apoptosis was detected using agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) with DNA fragments and flow cytometry. Changes in morphology structure of mitochondria in hepatocytes of rats were observed under an electron microscope. Changes in mitochondria transmembrane potential of hepatocytes of rats were detected using a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). Western blotting was adopted to detect changes in the expression of caspase-3 and cytochrome C protein in hepatocytes of rats. RESULTS: Compared with that in I/R group, swelling degree of mitochondria in most hepatocytes of rats in ischemic postconditioning (IPOST) group and IPC group was lighter. Changes in expression of caspase-3 and cytochrome C protein in hepatic cells of rats: caspase-3 was lowly expressed and cytochrome C was highly expressed in S group. The expression of caspase-3 was evidently higher in I/R group than that in S group and expression of cytochrome C protein was evidently lower than that in S group (p<0.05). The expression of caspase-3 protein was evidently decreased in IPOST group and IPC group and the expression of cytochrome C protein was evidently increased (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IPOST can reduce hepatic apoptosis caused by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats, which may be achieved by inhibiting the mitochondria pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the expression of microRNA (miR)-16 in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and to identify its potential mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 45 NSCLC patients were included in the present work. NSCLC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were resected and collected. The Reverse Transcription- quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to determine miR-16 expression. Regulatory effects of miR-16 on proliferation, migration and invasion, and cell cycle of A549 cells were determined by Cell-Counting Kit 8 assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blotting was performed to measure the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-19 in cells overexpressing miR-16. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to identify the interaction between miR- 16 and MMP-19. RESULTS: MiR-16 expression in NSCLC significantly decreased compared with that in healthy tissue (p<0.05). The expression level of miR-16 was negatively correlated to the clinical staging of NSCLC. In addition, the expression of miR-16 in NSCLC patients with lymph node metastasis was significantly lower than that in patients without lymph node metastasis (p<0.05). In vitro studies demonstrated that miR-16 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. Western blotting analyses indicated that overexpression of miR-16 down-regulated the expression of MMP-19. Additionally, the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay determined that miR-16 directly regulated the expression of MMP-16. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that miR-16 acts as a tumor-suppressor gene by inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells via downregulating MMP-19 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The W -type SrCo2Fe16O27 (SCFO) hexagonal ferrite samples were prepared by the sol-gel method using metal nitrate as raw material, citric acid as complexing agent, and water as solvent. The effects of different sintering temperatures and holding times on the phase composition and morphology properties were explored in detail by using the X-ray diffractometer and field emission scanning electron microscope. The X-ray diffraction, microstructure, and magnetic performance of most optimum sintering temperature and holding time of preparing single-phase SCFO hexagonal ferrite were investigated. The experimental results indicate that the best optimum sintering temperature and holding time of SCFO hexagonal ferrite are 1280 °C and 4 h, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy results indicate that the size of the particles is about 5–10 μ m. The result of magnetic measurement shows that SCFO hexagonal ferrite exhibits the soft magnetic property and the Curie temperature (TC) is ∼ 850 K. Furthermore, by analyzing the Arrott plot, the phase transition near the TC is a secondary phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is known that [O.sub.2] inhibits and represses denitrification, few studies have examined the effect of [O.sub.2] on NO production. Our objectives were to measure [O.sub.2] inhibition, repression, and derepression of NO and [N.sub.2]O production by denitrifying microorganisms in soil columns continuously purged by [N.sub.2] or various constant (0.074-15%) [O.sub.2]-[N.sub.2] mixtures. Net rates of NO and [N.sub.2]O production were measured under successive anaerobic, partially aerobic, and anaerobic conditions. Oxygen inhibition was rapid and reversible. Within 5 min after exposure to [is greater than] 5% [O.sub.2], NO production was reduced to [approximately equals] 50 to 58% and [N.sub.2]O rates to [approximately equals] 29 to 32% of their maximum anaerobic rates. Maintaining [O.sub.2] at [is greater than or equal to]5% in soil without added C or at [is greater than] 10% 02 in C-amended soil decreased (repressed) NO production rates by a factor of [approximately equals] 1.5 to 1.8 [d.sup.-1]. Rates of [N.sub.2]O repression remained constant at [approximately equals] 0.07 [d.sup.-1] for all C and [O.sub.2] treatments. Restoration of anoxic conditions following the aerobic phase reversed inhibition; within 5 min, NO production rates by the nonrepressed denitrifiers increased to 55 to 101% of their respective anaerobic rates and [N.sub.2]O production rates increased to 26 to 62%. The rates of NO and [N.sub.2]O production then increased more slowly (derepression) during this anaerobic period. This research supports previous observations for [O.sub.2] effects on [N.sub.2]O production and apparently is the first systematic study of [O.sub.2] inhibition, repression, and derepression of NO production.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ) in focal cerebral ischemia- reperfusion injury, and to explore the effect and mechanism of mifepristone on the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected, and the middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) rat model was constructed using the longa's suture-occluded method. The sham operation group was not inserted with occlusion sutures. All experimental rats were divided into four groups: the sham operation group (SHA group), the MCAO/R model group (MCR group), the mifepristone intervention group (MIF group) (3 mg/kg, intragastric administration), and the mifepristone + bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) intervention group (MIF+BAD group) [3 mg/kg mifepristone (intragastric administration) + 30 mg/kg BADGE (intraperitoneal injection)]. The long's scoring method (5 grades) was applied for scoring after reperfusion, at the time when the animals woke up, and at 48 h after awaking before execution, respectively. 48 h after the model was successfully established, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was performed to calculate the volume of cerebral infarction, and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the cranial nerve tissue morphology. Meanwhile, immune-histochemical staining was used to detect PPAR γ. Moreover, the protein expression levels of PPAR γ, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase- 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) were examined by Western blotting (WB). RESULTS: Mifepristone could significantly enhance the neurological function after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, reduce the volume of cerebral infarction, and improve the morphology of nerve tissues in rats. The expression of PPAR γ in the brain tissues of rats after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury markedly declined, whereas mifepristone could remarkably increase the protein expression of PPAR γ. After mifepristone intervention, the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in the infarcted brain tissues of rats were markedly decreased, while the expression of the TIMP-1 protein was increased. When combined with BADGE, the effect of mifepristone was partially offset. CONCLUSIONS: Mifepristone acts as a PPAR γ agonist, and relieves cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by restoring the balance between MMPs and TIMPs and inhibiting inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling of pulse operation for passively Q-switched Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG microchip lasers with finite lower level lifetime is presented. The computed pulse width with finite lower level lifetime is longer than that with infinitely fast lower level relaxation. With the proposed model, lower level lifetime of Nd:YAG could be estimated by measuring pulse width of such microchip lasers. The pulse width of three different microchips are measured. The measured data and computed data matched in high degree for lower level lifetime of approximately 100 ps. The ratio of computed pulse width with this model to that with conventional model becomes larger as the cavity lifetime decreases. The ratio is larger than two for cavity lifetime smaller than 40 ps in optimum condition for short pulse width. Effect of finite lower level lifetime hould be considered in the design of short pulse microchip lasers, especially sub-nanosecond lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells (VEC) is related to ischemic stroke. Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT/PKB) signaling pathway can upregulate Bcl-2 expression, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and induce apoptosis. The level of miR-124 was significantly increased after cerebral ischemia. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-124 in regulating PI3K expression, brain VEC apoptosis, and ROS production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expressions of miR-124, PI3K, p-AKT, and Bcl-2 in brain VEC of rats from the sham group and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group were tested. Bioinformatics analysis showed the complementary binding site between miR-124 and PI3K mRNA. ROS content and cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Rat brain VEC were cultured in vitro and treated by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 6 h. VECs were divided into four groups, including miR-NC, miR-124 inhibitor, pIRES2-blank, and pIRES2-PI3K groups, and were further treated by OGD. RESULTS: MiR-124 expression, ROS content, and cell apoptosis were markedly increased, whereas the levels of PI3K, p-AKT, and Bcl-2 were markedly reduced in rat VECs from MCAO group compared with that in the sham group. OGD treatment significantly induced VECs apoptosis, upregulated miR-124 expression and ROS content, and down-regulated the levels of PI3K, p-AKT, and Bcl-2. MiR-124 inhibitor or transfection of pIRES2-PI3K plasmid apparently enhanced PI3K, p-AKT, and Bcl-2 expressions, alleviated cell apoptosis and decreased ROS content in VECs induced by OGD. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that miR-124 induced the apoptosis of brain vascular endothelial cells via the down-regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and promotion of ROS production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To observe the reversal effect of apatinib on the resistance to cisplatin (DDP) of A549/cisplatin (A549/DDP) cells and its relevant mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A549/DDP cells were treated with the control method, apatinib alone, DDP alone and DDP combined with apatinib. The cell proliferation was detected by the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the cell clone formation assay. The cell apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) double labeling. The changes in apoptotic proteins, multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) and extracellular signal- regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway proteins in each group after treatment were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: MTT assay results showed that compared with A549 cells, A549/DDP cells had obvious resistance to DDP. MTT assay and cell clone formation assay revealed that the tumor inhibition rate of the sub-lethal dose of apatinib (10 μM) combined with DDP was higher than that of DDP alone. The apoptosis detection results indicated that the proportion of apoptotic cells in the apatinib (10 μM) combined with DDP group was significantly increased. Western blotting results revealed that compared with that in parental A549 cells, the expression level of MDR1 in A549/DDP cells was significantly increased, and the ERK signaling pathway was activated. In the apatinib combined with DDP group, the levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X (BAX) proteins were significantly upregulated, while the level of Bcl-2 proteins was downregulated. Apatinib could inhibit the expression of MDR1 and the activity of the ERK signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Apatinib can restore the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to DDP by down-regulating the expression level of MDR1 and inhibiting the activity of the ERK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]