Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of [18F]BIBD-300 as a Positron Emission Tomography Tracer for Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1.

Compounds 8a-j were designed to adjust the mode of interaction and lipophilicity of FTT by scaffold hopping and changing the length of the alkoxy groups. Compounds 8a, 8d, 8g, and BIBD-300 were screened for high-affinity PARP-1 through enzyme inhibition assays and are worthy of further evaluation. PET imaging of MCF-7 subcutaneous tumors with moderate expression of PARP-1 showed that compared to [18F]FTT, [18F]8a, [18F]8d, and [18F]8g exhibited greater nonspecific uptake, a lower target-to-nontarget ratio, and severe defluorination, while [18F]BIBD-300 exhibited lower nonspecific uptake and a greater target-to-nontarget ratio. PET imaging of 22Rv1 subcutaneous tumors, which highly express PARP-1, confirmed that the uptake of [18F]BIBD-300 in normal organs, such as the liver, muscle, and bone, was lower than that of [18F]FTT, and the ratio of tumor-to-muscle and tumor-to-liver [18F]BIBD-300 was greater than that of [18F]FTT. The biodistribution results in mice with MCF-7 and 22Rv1 subcutaneous tumors further validated the results of PET imaging. Unlike [18F]FTT, which mainly relies on hepatobiliary clearance, [18F]BIBD-300, which has lower lipophilicity, undergoes a partial shift from hepatobiliary to renal clearance, providing the possibility for [18F]BIBD-300 to indicate liver cancer. The difference in the PET imaging results for [18F]FTT, [18F]BIBD-300, and [18F]8j in 22Rv1 mice and the corresponding molecular docking results further confirmed that subtle structural modifications in lipophilicity greatly optimize the properties of the tracer. Cell uptake experiments also demonstrated that [18F]BIBD-300 has a high affinity for PARP-1. Metabolized and unmetabolized [18F]FTT and [18F]BIBD-300 were detected in the brain, indicating that they could not accurately quantify the amount of PARP-1 in the brain. However, PET imaging of glioma showed that both [18F]FTT and [18F]BIBD-300 could accurately localize both in situ to C6 and U87MG tumors. Based on its potential advantages in the diagnosis of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and glioma, as well as liver cancer, [18F]BIBD-300 is a new option for an excellent PARP-1 tracer.

18F-Labeled PET Tracers Specific for Adenosine A2A Receptor: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation.

By modifying the structures of targeted A2AR antagonists and tracers, novel compounds 3, 7a, 9, 12c, and BIBD-399 were designed and synthesized. In vitro inhibition experiments demonstrated that 3, 12c, and BIBD-399 have high affinity for A2AR. [18F]3 and [18F]BIBD-399 were successfully synthesized. In terms of biological distribution, the brain uptake of [18F]MNI-444 exhibits greater than that of [18F]3 and [18F]BIBD-399. PET imaging shows that [18F]3 is off-target in the brain, while [18F]BIBD-399 and [18F]MNI-444 can be specifically imaged in regions with high A2AR expression. Differently, [18F]BIBD-399 could quickly reach equilibrium in the targeted region within 10 min after administration, while [18F]MNI-444 shows a slowly increasing trend within 2 h of administration. [18F]BIBD-399 is mainly metabolized by the liver and kidney, and there is no obvious defluorination in vivo. Additional in vitro autoradiography showed that the striatal signals of [18F]BIBD-399 and [18F]MNI-444 were inhibited by the A2AR antagonist SCH442416 but not by the A1R antagonist DPCPX, demonstrating the high A2AR binding specificity of [18F]BIBD-399. Molecular docking further confirms the high affinity of MNI-444 and BIBD-399 for A2AR. Further tMCAo imaging showed that [18F]BIBD-399 can sensitively distinguish between infarcted and noninfarcted sides, a capability not observed with [18F]MNI-444. Given its pharmacokinetic properties and the ability to identify lesion regions, [18F]BIBD-399 has potential advantages in monitoring A2AR changes, meriting further clinical investigation.

Design of Novel 18F-Labeled Amino Acid Tracers Using Sulfur 18F-Fluoride Exchange Click Chemistry.

[18F]Gln-OSO2F, [18F]Arg-OSO2F, and [18F]FSY-OSO2F were designed by introducing sulfonyl 18F-fluoride onto glutamine, arginine, and tyrosine, respectively. [18F]FSY-OSO2F can be prepared directly by sulfur 18F-fluoride exchange, while [18F]Gln-OSO2F and [18F]Arg-OSO2F require a two-step labeling method. Those tracers retain their typical transport characteristics for unmodified amino acids. Both PET imaging and biodistribution confirmed that [18F]FSY-OSO2F visualized MCF-7 and 22Rv1 subcutaneous tumors with high contrast, and its tumor-to-muscle ratio was better than that of [18F]FET. However, [18F]Gln-OSO2F and [18F]Arg-OSO2F poorly image MCF-7 subcutaneous tumors, possibly due to differences in the types and amounts of transporters expressed in tumors. All three tracers can visualize the U87MG glioma. According to our biological evaluation, none of the tracers evaluated in this study exhibited obvious defluorination, and subtle structural changes led to different imaging characteristics, indicating that the application of sulfur 18F-fluoride exchange click chemistry in the design of radioactive sulfonyl fluoride amino acids is feasible and offers significant advantages.

Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of 18F-Labeled Tracers Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein for Brain Imaging.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is closely related to central nervous system diseases such as stroke and brain tumors, but PET tracers that can be used for brain imaging have not been reported. Here, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated 18F-labeled UAMC1110 derivatives suitable for brain imaging targeting FAP. By substituting the F atom for the H atom on the aromatic ring of compound UAMC1110, 1a-c were designed and prepared. 1a-c were confirmed to have a high affinity for FAP through molecular docking and enzyme assay. [18F]1a-c were successfully prepared and confirmed to have high affinity. The stability in vivo indicates that no obvious metabolites of [18F]1a,b were found in the plasma 1 h after injection, which is beneficial for brain imaging. In vitro cell uptake experiments showed that [18F]1a,b and [68Ga]FAPI04 exhibited similar uptake and internalization rates. PET imaging of U87MG subcutaneous tumor showed that [18F]1a,b could penetrate the blood-brain barrier with higher uptake and longer retention time than [68Ga]FAPI04 (uptake at 62.5 min, 1.06 ± 0.23, 1.09 ± 0.25% ID/g vs 0.21 ± 0.10% ID/g, respectively). The brain-to-blood ratios of [18F]1a,b were better than [68Ga]FAPI04. Biodistribution and PET imaging showed that [18F]1a had better uptake on tumors and a higher tumor-to-muscle ratio than [18F]1b and [68Ga]FAPI04. Further imaging of U87MG intracranial glioma showed that [18F]1a outlined high-contrast gliomas in a short period of time compared to [18F]1b. Therefore, [18F]1a is expected to be useful in the diagnosis of FAP-related brain diseases.

Diverse nature of the seasonally coastal eutrophication dominated by oceanic nutrients: An eco-system based analysis characterized by salmon migration and aquaculture.

Previously, studies of coastal eutrophication have usually focused on the nutrients input from adjacent land sectors, such as rivers, submarine-ground discharges, and atmospheric depositions. Here we report two examples of well-managed seasonal eutrophication phenomena in coastal marine environments, where nutrients come predominantly from offshore: one by humans and the other by nature (higher trophic animals). In the Sanggou Bay of North China, the total amount of incoming nutrients from the open Yellow Sea is taken up by seaweeds. Seaweed, in turn, supports bivalves culture activities and absorbs nutrients emitted by finfish. In the Academy Bay of Russian Far East, a relatively high plankton primary production sustains throughout the salmon-returning season when nutrients are released from the massive carcasses of dead fish after return from the ocean to their natal streams to spawn and die. This high plankton productivity, in turn, fuels higher trophic ecosystem constituents, including whale populations of global importance. In the future, dominance of nutrients from marine sources needs to be seriously considered in studies of coastal eutrophication.

Synthesis and In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of 18F-Labeled Positron Emission Tomography Tracers for Imaging Aß Plaques.

Accurate quantification of amyloid beta (Aß) plaques is an important indicator for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment. For this purpose, new highly sensitive Aß tracers were designed by regulating the position and number of nitrogen atoms. A series of derivatives of florbetapir (AV45) containing different numbers and positions of N atoms were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro affinity and in vivo biodistribution. Preliminary study results showed that [18F]BIBD-124 and [18F]BIBD-127 had better clearance rates and less in vivo defluorination than AV45 in ICR (ICR = Institute of Cancer Research) mice. Autoradiography and molecular docking indicated that the binding sites of [18F]BIBD-124/127 were similar to that of [18F]AV45. Micro-positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging further demonstrated that [18F]BIBD-124 could monitor Aß plaques similar to [18F]AV45. Besides, the imaging contrast of [18F]BIBD-124 is better than that of [18F]AV45. Mass spectrometric metabolic analysis showed that BIBD-124 was less demethylated than AV45 without subsequent acetylation, which might explain its less non-specific uptake and higher imaging contrast. Gauss calculations further confirmed that the introduction of N5 in [18F]BIBD-124 decreased demethylation. Considering imaging contrast and in vivo defluorination, [18F]BIBD-124 is expected to be a promising radiotracer of Aß plaques for further clinical trials.

[18F]BIBD-239: 18F-Labeled ER176, a Positron Emission Tomography Tracer Specific for the Translocator Protein.

[11C]ER176 has adequate sensitivity to image the human brain translocator protein (TSPO) in all three genotypes by positron emission tomography (PET). However, its clinical application is limited by the short half-life of 11C (20.38 min). To overcome the deficiency of [11C]ER176 and keep the pharmacophore features of ER176 to the maximum extent, we designed four fluorine-labeled ER176 derivatives using the deuterium method. In vitro competition binding confirmed that the designed compounds had high affinity for TSPO. Biodistribution experiments showed that tissues with high expression of TSPO had high uptake of these compounds, as well as that the compound showed high brain penetration and mild defluorination in vivo. Therefore, [18F]BIBD-239 with simple synthesis conditions was selected for further biological evaluation. Theoretical simulations showed that BIBD-239 and ER176 have similar binding modes and sites to Ala147-TSPO and Thr147-TSPO, which indicated that the tracers may have consistent sensitivity to the three affinity genotypes. In vitro autoradiography and in vivo PET studies of the ischemic rat brain showed dramatically higher uptake of [18F]BIBD-239 on the lesion site compared to the contralateral side with good brain kinetics. Additionally, [18F]BIBD-239 provided clear tumor PET images in a GL261 glioma model. Importantly, PET imaging and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) results showed that in vivo defluorination and other metabolites of [18F]BIBD-239 did not interfere with brain imaging. Conclusively, [18F]BIBD-239, similar to ER176 with low polymorphism sensitivity, has simple labeling conditions, high labeling yield, high affinity, and high specificity for TSPO, and it is planned for further evaluation in higher species.

Novel 18F-Labeled PET Tracers Specific to Aromatase: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation.

The abnormal expression of aromatase is associated with the occurrence and development of a variety of neurological diseases and tumors. A series of 18F-labeled and 68Ga-labeled potential aromatase-binding candidate compounds were designed and synthesized based on the structures of aromatase inhibitors. Competitive inhibition experiments in vitro and molecular docking showed that BIBD-069 and BIBD-071 have high affinity for aromatase. The radiolabeling conditions of [18F]BIBD-069 and [18F]BIBD-071 were simple, and the yields were high. Biodistribution and in vivo inhibition experiments confirmed that [18F]BIBD-069 and [18F]BIBD-071 specifically bind to aromatase. [18F]BIBD-069 and [18F]BIBD-071 selectively imaged the amygdala and nucleus of the stria terminalis, which is similar to the imaging result of [11C]vorozole. Radiometabolites of [18F]BIBD-069 and [18F]BIBD-071 did not bind to aromatase and interfered with brain imaging. MicroPET-CT imaging further confirmed that [18F]BIBD-069 and [18F]BIBD-071 can specifically bind to aromatase and were not defluorinated in vivo. Given that [18F]BIBD-069 and [18F]BIBD-071 exhibit excellent aromatase binding affinities, mild radiolabeling conditions, and good pharmacokinetics, they can be important tools for the diagnosis and treatment of aromatase-related diseases.

[18F]BIBD-181: A Novel Positron Emission Tomography Tracer Specific for Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A.

Dysfunction or decreased expression of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) is closely related to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. The development of positron emission tomography (PET) tracers targeting SV2A can provide a strong imaging basis for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Herein we report the synthesis of the novel radiotracer [18F]BIBD-181 and its preclinical evaluation. The absolute configuration of BIBD-181 was confirmed by the single-crystal structure of its precursor. The in vitro binding assay of BIBD-181 showed high SV2A binding affinity. Compared with previously reported tracers, [18F]BIBD-181 has mild labeling conditions, simple operation, and high yield. The in vivo metabolism of [18F]BIBD-181 is similar to that of UCB derivatives, and the metabolites do not interfere with brain PET imaging. Biodistribution and PET studies showed that [18F]BIBD-181 has high brain uptake and good pharmacokinetics. Autoradiography and PET inhibition studies indicated that [18F]BIBD-181 specifically binds SV2A. Because [18F]BIBD-181 exhibits excellent properties, it may be a reliable probe of quantities for SV2A-related disease diagnosis.

Arbitrary superposition of plasmonic orbital angular momentum states with nanostructures.

A kind of plasmonic nanostructure is proposed that can generate the arbitrary superposition of orbital angular momentum (OAM) states in surface plasmons (SPs), which is achieved by combining the segmented spirals with nanoslit pairs. The structures can independently modulate both the phase and amplitude of SP waves, and thus enable the superposition of two OAM states with arbitrary topological charges (TCs) as well as free control of their relative amplitudes. Superposed states distributed over the entire Bloch sphere and hybrid superposed states with different TCs were constructed and experimentally demonstrated. This work will offer more opportunities for multifunctional plasmonic devices.

Accumulation of LDL/ox-LDL in the necrotic region participates in osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a pathological and in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common but intractable disease that appears to involve lipid metabolic disorders. Although numerous studies have demonstrated that high blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are closely associated with ONFH, there is limited evidence to explain the pathological role of LDL. Pathological and in vitro studies were performed to investigate the role of disordered metabolism of LDL and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) in the femoral head in the pathology of ONFH. METHODS: Nineteen femoral head specimens from patients with ONFH were obtained for immunohistochemistry analysis. Murine long-bone osteocyte Y4 cells were used to study the effects of LDL/ox-LDL on cell viability, apoptosis, and metabolism process of LDL/ox-LDL in osteocytes in normoxic and hypoxic environments. RESULTS: In the pathological specimens, marked accumulation of LDL/ox-LDL was observed in osteocytes/lacunae of necrotic regions compared with healthy regions. In vitro studies showed that ox-LDL, rather than LDL, reduced the viability and enhanced apoptosis of osteocytes. Pathological sections indicated that the accumulation of ox-LDL was significantly associated with impaired blood supply. Exposure to a hypoxic environment appeared to be a key factor leading to LDL/ox-LDL accumulation by enhancing internalisation and oxidation of LDL in osteocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The accumulation of LDL/ox-LDL in the necrotic region may contribute to the pathology of ONFH. These findings could provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of ONFH.

Mutual regulation between chicken telomerase reverse transcriptase and the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway inhibits apoptosis and promotes the replication of ALV-J in LMH cells.

This study aimed to explore the mutual regulation between chicken telomerase reverse transcriptase (chTERT) and the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway and its effects on cell growth and avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) replication in LMH cells. First, LMH cells stably overexpressing the chTERT gene (LMH-chTERT cells) and corresponding control cells (LMH-NC cells) were successfully constructed with a lentiviral vector expression system. The results showed that chTERT upregulated the expression of ß-catenin, Cyclin D1, TCF4 and c-Myc. chTERT expression level and telomerase activity were increased when cells were treated with LiCl. When the cells were treated with ICG001 or IWP-2, the activity of the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway was significantly inhibited, and chTERT expression and telomerase activity were also inhibited. However, when the ß-catenin gene was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA), the changes in chTERT expression and telomerase activity were consistent with those in cells treated with ICG001 or IWP-2. These results indicated that chTERT and the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway can be mutually regulated. Subsequently, we found that chTERT not only shortened the cell cycle to promote proliferation but also inhibited apoptosis by downregulating the expression of Caspase 3, Caspase 9 and BAX; upregulating BCL-2 and BCL-X expression; and promoting autophagy. Moreover, chTERT significantly enhanced the migration ability of LMH cells, upregulated the protein and mRNA expression of ALV-J and increased the virus titre. ALV-J replication promoted chTERT expression and telomerase activity.

Rapid detection of avian leukosis virus subgroup J by cross-priming amplification.

Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) causes oncogenic disease in chickens in China, resulting in great harm to poultry production, and remains widespread in China. Herein, we employed a cross-priming amplification (CPA) approach and a nucleic acid detection device to establish a visual rapid detection method for ALV-J. The sensitivity of CPA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was compared, and the three methods were used to detect ALV-J in the cell cultures which inoculated with clinical plasma. The result showed when the amplification reaction was carried out at 60 °C for just 60 min, the sensitivity of CPA was 10 times higher than conventional PCR, with high specificity, which was comparable with RT-PCR, based on detection of 123 cell cultures which inoculated with clinical plasma, the coincidence rate with real-time PCR was 97.3% (71/73). CPA detection of ALV-J does not require an expensive PCR instrument; a simple water bath or incubator is sufficient for complete DNA amplification, and the closed nucleic acid detection device avoids aerosol pollution, making judgment of results more intuitive and objective. The CPA assay would be a promising simple, rapid and sensitive method for identification of ALV-J.

Molecular characteristics of subgroup J avian leukosis virus isolated from yellow breeder chickens in Guangdong, China, during 2016-2019.

Since 2005, subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) infection has been present in yellow chickens in Guangdong, China, causing severe economic losses to the local poultry industry. ALV-J is a rapidly evolving retrovirus. To investigate the molecular characteristics of ALV-J isolates from yellow breeder chickens in Guangdong, 17 virus strains were isolated from 6549 anticoagulants from clinically healthy birds between 2016 and 2019, and completely sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis of the gp85 gene showed that all isolated viruses were divided into three different branches. Notably, 41.2% (7/17) of the isolates shared a novel G2598A nucleotide mutation in the pol gene and caused the stop codon to be advanced by 8 positions. Nearly 200 nucleotides were deleted from the redundant TM (rTM) region in all strains, but all retained an intact direct repeat (DR1). 82.4% (14/17) of isolates contained a complete E element. Additionally, 29.4% (5/17) of isolates detected an 11 bp deletion in U3 region, and the AIB REP1 transcription factor is missing. The study indicated that ALV-J infection had still been prevalent in the yellow breeder chicken farms in Guangdong, and the genetic background of the strains is diverse. This study provides the latest data on the molecular characteristics of ALV-J, which will help to reveal the evolution trend of ALV-J and develop relevant prevention and control measures.

Efficacy Evaluation and Tracking of Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) and dynamically monitor engrafted BMSCs in vivo for the early prediction of their therapeutic effects in a rat model. METHODS: A rat model of RIRI was prepared by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min. One week after renal artery clamping, 2 × 106 superparamagnetic iron oxide- (SPIO-) labeled BMSCs were injected into the renal artery. Next, MR imaging of the kidneys was performed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 after cell transplantation. On day 21, after transplantation, serum creatinine (Scr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were assessed, and HE staining and TUNEL assay were also performed. RESULTS: The body weight growth rates in the SPIO-BMSC group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group (P < 0.05), and the Scr and BUN levels were also significantly lower than those in the PBS group (P < 0.05). HE staining showed that the degree of degeneration and vacuole-like changes in the renal tubular epithelial cells in the SPIO-BMSC group was significantly better than that observed in the PBS group. The TUNEL assay showed that the number of apoptotic renal tubular epithelial cells in the SPIO-BMSC group was significantly lower than that in the PBS group. The T2 value of the renal lesion was the highest on day 1 after cell transplantation, and it gradually decreased with time in both the PBS and SPIO-BMSC groups but was always the lowest in the SPIO-BMSC group. CONCLUSION: SPIO-labeled BMSC transplantation can significantly promote the recovery of RIRI and noninvasive dynamic monitoring of engrafted cells and can also be performed simultaneously with MRI in vivo for the early prediction of therapeutic effects.

Mechanisms of Nα-lauroyl arginate ethyl ester against Penicillium digitatum and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity and mechanisms of Nα-lauroyl arginate ethyl ester (LAE) against Penicillium digitatum and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. The minim inhibitory concentrations of LAE against P. digitatum and P. carotovorum were found to be 400 and 25 µg/ml, respectively. Loss of intracellular protein and nucleic acid increased significantly, and membrane permeability reached 76.28, 54.29 and 85.20%, respectively, when 400 µg/ml of LAE was applied to the hyphae and spores of P. digitatum and to P. carotovorum. Flow cytometry showed that LAE reduced the membrane potential, and the depolarization ratios of P. digitatum and P. carotovorum were 98.19 and 97.25% (P < 0.05), respectively. Transmission electron microscopy photos revealed that LAE caused a rough surface, irregular cellular organelles, protoplast shrinkage, intracytoplasmic coagulation and empty cavities in all three cell types. These results showed that LAE had notable ability to damage the structure of fungal and bacterial cells, making it a possible alternative chemical for use in the preservation of fruits and vegetables.

[Analysis on risk factors of functional recovery after intramedullary nail fixation for femoral intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of functional recovery after intramedullary nail fixation for femoral intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients, and to propose corresponding measures to promote postoperative hip function recovery. METHODS: From June 2012 to June 2015, 74 patients after intramedullary nail fixation surgery were analyzed, including 33 males and 41 females, with an average age of(75.07±7.89) years old, and divided into well-function group(55 patients) and bad-function group(19 patients) according to Sanders function criterion. Age, gender, bone density, fracture type, systemic disease, complication, rehabilitation exercises with therapist or not, nourishment state, anesthesia method, fracture reduction condition, ASA classification, tip apex distance were reviewed and analyzed by t test, non-parametric test, χ² test and Logistic analysis. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that age, bone density, nourishment state, ASA classification, anesthesia method, fracture reduction condition, rehabilitation exercises with therapist, and tip apex distance were the risk factors for the recovery of hip function. Logistic analysis showed that bone density(P=0.006, OR=0.077), rehabilitation exercises with therapist(P=0.006, OR=0.070), ASA classification(P<0.001, OR=0.049), nourishment state (P=0.046, OR=0.188) were the risk factors for the functional recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Bone density, rehabilitation exercises with therapist, ASA classification, nourishment state were the risk factors for the functional recovery of intramedullary nail fixation for intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients. Multidisciplinary cooperation and fast track surgery system should be set up to promoting the hip functional recovery.

[Complications of percutaneous kyphoplasty non-related with bone leakage in treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the complications of percutaneous kyphoplasty except bone leakge for the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures. METHODS: From October 2008 to October 2012,178 patients with 224 osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty under local anethsia. There were 72 males and 106 females,ranging in age from 58 to 92 years old,with an average of 75.3 years,including 93 thoracic vertebrae and 131 lumbar vertebrae. The complications except bone cement leakage were analyzed during operation and after operation. RESULTS: All operations were successful and all patients were followed up from 12 to 60 months with an average of 26.2 months. No death was found. Bone cement leakage occurred in 27 cases, about 15.1% in 178 cases; and complications except bone cement leakage occurred in 15 cases. There was 1 case with cardiac arrest,was completely recovery by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately; and 1 case with temporary absence of breathing,was recovery after treatment. There were 3 cases with fall of blood pressure and slower of heart rate; 1 case with intestinal obstruction; 2 cases with local hematoma and 1 case with intercostal neuralgia. Vertebral body fractures of 2 cases were split by bone cement and the fractures of adjacent body occurred in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: It's uncommon complication except bone cement leakge in treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures with percutaneous kyphoplasty. The complication of cardiopulmonary system is a high risk in surgery; and cytotoxicity of bone cement,nervous reflex,fat embolism and alteration of intravertebral pressure may be main reasons.

[Distribution, seasonal variation and influence factors of dissolved inorganic arsenic in the Sanggou Bay].

The biogeochemical behavior of arsenic in the aquatic environment has already captured the attentions of scientists due to its complex forms and toxicity. Four cruises were carried out in April, August, October 2011 and January 2012 in the Sanggou Bay. The concentrations of total dissolved inorganic arsenic (TDIAs, TDIAs = [ As(5+] + [As(3+)]) and arsenite (As(3+)) were measured by Hydride Generation-Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (HG-AFS). The concentrations of TDIAs ranged from 3.4-12.4 nmol x L(-1) in April, 8.9-16.9 nmol x L(-1) in August, 14.7-21.3 nmol x L(-1) in October and 13.8-21.9 nmol x L(-1) in January. The concentrations of arsenite ranged from 0.3-2.1 nmol x L(-1), 0.4-3.8 nmol x L(-1), 1.8-4.0 nmol x L(-1) and 0.3-2.9 nmol x L(-1) during four cruises, respectively. The concentrations of TDIAs in spring and summer were lower than those in autumn and winter, and high values of TDIAs appeared in the bay-mouth and the coastal estuary. The concentrations of arsenite in spring and winter were lower than those in summer and autumn. The maximum As(3+)/TDIAs ratios appeared in summer. The mean value of TDIAs in the Sanggou Bay was (13.9 +/- 4.7) nmol x L(-1), which was lower than the national primary drinking in water Standards from USEPA and met the first grade water quality based on the environmental quality standards for surface water of China. It indicates that there is no obvious anthropogenic pollution. The concentrations of TDIAs in the Sanggou Bay were lower than those in the Ailian Bay and the Lidao Bay in spring and summer due to the different hydrological environments and terrestrial inputs. Riverine input, incursion of Yellow Sea and biological activities were the three main factors impacting the distribution of TDIAs in the Sanggou Bay, and the influence of aquaculture activities was particularly significant. The enrichment of arsenic by aquaculture may lead to potential ecological crisis and food safety problems, and need to be paid more attentions to ensure the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Sanggou Bay.

Assimilative branches and leaves of the desert plant Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. possesses a different adaptation mechanism to shade.

Leaves and assimilative branches are crucial to the life cycle of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. (Fabaceae), which grows in high-irradiance environments and is the main vegetation in the forelands of the Taklamakan Desert. This plant has an important role in wind protection and sand fixation at the oasis-desert transition zone. The morphology, physiology, and photosynthesis of A. sparsifolia leaves growing under low-light conditions have been extensively investigated. However, whether the plant's assimilative branches adapt similarly to low light levels is unclear, as are its specific light adaptation mechanisms. In this report, we characterized the biomass allocation, morphology, and chlorophyll a fluorescence of leaves and assimilative branches of A. sparsifolia. The results indicated that low-light conditions limited the normal growth of A. sparsifolia. The fraction of biomass allocated to leaves increased, whereas that to assimilative branches decreased. In addition, leaf thickness and assimilative branch diameter decreased, resulting in higher specific leaf area, specific assimilative branch length, and area for higher light absorbing and higher efficiency of light-usage. The assimilative branches and leaves were responded oppositely under low-light conditions in that leaves had lower photosystem II activity and assimilative branches had higher light-use efficiency to maximize light energy absorption for growth of A. sparsifolia.