Microcarriers promote the through interface movement of mouse trophoblast stem cells by regulating stiffness.

Mechanical force is crucial in the whole process of embryonic development. However, the role of trophoblast mechanics during embryo implantation has rarely been studied. In this study, we constructed a model to explore the effect of stiffness changes in mouse trophoblast stem cells (mTSCs) on implantation: microcarrier was prepared by sodium alginate using a droplet microfluidics system, and mTSCs were attached to the microcarrier surface with laminin modifications, called T(micro). Compared with the spheroid, formed by the self-assembly of mTSCs (T(sph)), we could regulate the stiffness of the microcarrier, making the Young's modulus of mTSCs (367.70 ± 79.81 Pa) similar to that of the blastocyst trophoblast ectoderm (432.49 ± 151.90 Pa). Moreover, T(micro) contributes to improve the adhesion rate, expansion area and invasion depth of mTSCs. Further, T(micro) was highly expressed in tissue migration-related genes due to the activation of the Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) pathway at relatively similar modulus of trophoblast. Overall, our study explores the embryo implantation process with a new perspective, and provides theoretical support for understanding the effect of mechanics on embryo implantation.

Relationship of ulna styloid fracture to the distal radio-ulnar joint stability. A clinical, functional, and radiographic outcome study.

BACKGROUND: Ulna styloid fracture occurs approximately about 55% of all distal end of radius fractures. However, the clinical and functional outcome of these fractures remains indefinite. RESULTS: Only 56 patients with distal radius fractures had concomitant ulna styloid fractures. The mean age was 32 years (range: 18-69; SD: ± 12.7). The majority were men. The mean time from injury was 18.7 months (range: 6-84; SD: ± 13.3). The most common was Frykman 2, followed by 6, type 8, and type 4. All were closed fractures; 60.7% were base, and 39.3% were tip fractures. 50% were treated with casting, 48.3% plating, and 1.8% external fixation. The mean period of casting was 7.67 weeks (range: 4-16; SD ± 3.1). The ulna styloid was united in 35.7%. There is no significant difference in the range of movement between those with ulna styloid union and non-union. The Ballottement test and Piano key sign was statistically insignificant between both groups. All the displacements were dorsal except in 1 case. The mean displacement of ulna styloid is 1.88mm (SD±1.08, Range: 0.20-4.60mm). The mean VAS score at rest and work is not statistically significant. The mean grip strength and functional score (DASH) are similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Ulna styloid fractures do not contribute to the DRUJ instability and the status of the union of the ulna styloid and the site of the ulna styloid fracture (tip or base) did not have a bearing on the range of movement and functional status of the affected wrist. Temporary DRUJ immobilization might allow TFCC recovery.

Gene Replacement for the Generation of Designed Novel Avermectin Derivatives with Enhanced Acaricidal and Nematicidal Activities.

Avermectin (AVM) and ivermectin (IVM) are potent pesticides and acaricides which have been widely used during the past 30 years. As insect resistance to AVM and IVM is greatly increasing, alternatives are urgently needed. Here, we report two novel AVM derivatives, tenvermectin A (TVM A) and TVM B, which are considered a potential new generation of agricultural and veterinary drugs. The molecules of the TVMs were designed based on structure and pharmacological property comparisons among AVM, IVM, and milbemycin (MBM). To produce TVMs, a genetically engineered strain, MHJ1011, was constructed from Streptomyces avermitilis G8-17, an AVM industrial strain. In MHJ1011, the native aveA1 gene was seamlessly replaced with milA1 from Streptomyces hygroscopicus. The total titer of the two TVMs produced by MHJ1011 reached 3,400 mg/liter. Insecticidal tests proved that TVM had enhanced activities against Tetranychus cinnabarinus and Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, as desired. This study provides a typical example of exploration for novel active compounds through a new method of polyketide synthase (PKS) reassembly for gene replacement. The results of the insecticidal tests may be of use in elucidating the structure-activity relationship of AVMs and MBMs.

[The effectiveness and safety of L-amlodipine besylate for blood pressure control in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of L-amlodipine besylate for blood pressure control in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. METHOD: A total of 1051 mild to moderate essential hypertensives were recruited from 22 centers and randomized into three groups and were given low-dose L-amlodipine besylate (2.5 mg/d), high-dose L-amlodipine besylate (5.0 mg/d), and amlodipine maleate (5.0 mg/d) on the principle of open-label and parallel control. The study drugs were administered for 8 weeks. RESULTS: After 8 weeks treatments, the response rate of the three groups were 72.4%, 85.6%, and 76.2%, respectively. The rate difference between high-dose L-amlodipine besylate group and the other two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.01), while the rate difference between low-dose L-amlodipine besylate group and amlodipine maleate group was similar (P = 0.28). The event rates of the three groups were similar (4.3%, 4.6%, and 5.1%, respectively, P = 0.84). CONCLUSION: High-dose L-amlodipine besylate is superior to the other 2 groups on blood pressure control. The efficacy profiles of amlodipine maleate and low-dose L-amlodipine besylate are equivalent. Safety profiles of these three groups are comparable.