Intrathecal Injection of Botulinum Toxin Type A has an Analgesic Effect in Male Rats CCI Model by Inhibiting the Activation of Spinal P2X4R.

Purinergic receptor P2X4 (P2X4R) plays an essential role in neuropathic pain. However, the specific mechanism needs to be clarified. Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum type A. This study found that intrathecal injection of botulinum toxin type A produced an excellent analgesic effect in a rat model of chronic constriction sciatic nerve injury and inhibited the activation of P2X4R, microglia, and astrocytes. The administration of a P2X4R activator can up-regulate the expression of P2X4R and eliminate the analgesic effect of intrathecal injection of botulinum toxin type A. In addition, we found that microglia and astrocytes in the spinal cord of rats injected with botulinum toxin type A were reactivated after administration of the P2X4R activator. Our results suggest that intrathecal injection of botulinum toxin type A has an analgesic effect in a rat model of chronic constriction sciatic nerve injury by inhibiting the activation of P2X4R in the spinal cord.

Experimental Twin-Field Quantum Key Distribution over 1000 km Fiber Distance.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) aims to generate secure private keys shared by two remote parties. With its security being protected by principles of quantum mechanics, some technology challenges remain towards practical application of QKD. The major one is the distance limit, which is caused by the fact that a quantum signal cannot be amplified while the channel loss is exponential with the distance for photon transmission in optical fiber. Here using the 3-intensity sending-or-not-sending protocol with the actively-odd-parity-pairing method, we demonstrate a fiber-based twin-field QKD over 1002 km. In our experiment, we developed a dual-band phase estimation and ultra-low noise superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors to suppress the system noise to around 0.02 Hz. The secure key rate is 9.53×10^{-12} per pulse through 1002 km fiber in the asymptotic regime, and 8.75×10^{-12} per pulse at 952 km considering the finite size effect. Our work constitutes a critical step towards the future large-scale quantum network.

[Research progress of optical motion capture technology in shoulder biomechanics].

The shoulder joint is the most flexible joint in the body with the largest range of motion, and the movement pattern is more complex. Accurate capture of three-dimensional motion data of the shoulder joint is crucial for biomechanical evaluation. Optical motion capture systems offer a non-invasive and radiation-free method to capture shoulder joint motion data during complex movements, enabling further biomechanical analysis of the shoulder joint. This review provides a comprehensive overview of optical motion capture technology in the context of shoulder joint movement, including measurement principles, data processing methods to reduce artifacts from skin and soft tissues, factors influencing measurement results, and applications in shoulder joint disorders.

Polarization resolving and imaging with a single-photon sensitive superconducting nanowire array.

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) have attracted remarkable interest for visible and near-infrared single-photon detection due to their outstanding performance. However, conventional SNSPDs are generally used as binary photon-counting detectors. Another important characteristic of light, i.e., polarization, which can provide additional information of the object, has not been resolved using the standalone SNSPD. In this work, we present a first prototype of the polarimeter based on a four-pixel superconducting nanowire array, capable of resolving the polarization state of linearly-polarized light at the single-photon level. The detector array design is based on a division of focal plane configuration in which the orientation of each nanowire division (pixel) is offset by 45°. Each single nanowire pixel operates as a combination of a photon detector and almost linear polarization filter, with an average polarization extinction ratio of ∼10. The total system detection efficiency of the array is ∼1% at a total dark count rate of 680 cps, with a timing jitter of 126 ps, when the detector array is free-space coupled and illuminated with 1550-nm photons. The mean errors of the measured angle of polarization and degree of linear polarization were about -3° and 0.12, respectively. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated polarization imaging at low-light level using the proposed detector. Our results pave the way for the development of a single-photon sensitive, fast, and large-scale integrated polarization polarimeter or imager. Such detector may find promising application in photon-starved polarization resolving and imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution.

Sixteen-channel fiber array-coupled superconducting single-photon detector array with average system detection efficiency over 60% at telecom wavelength.

We report a compact, scalable, and high-performance superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) array by using a multichannel optical fiber array-coupled configuration. For single pixels with an active area of 18 µm in diameter and illuminated at the telecom wavelength of 1550 nm, we achieved a pixel yield of 13/16 on one chip, an average system detection efficiency of 69% at a dark count rate of 160 cps, a minimum timing jitter of 74 ps, and a maximum count rate of ∼40Mcps. The optical crosstalk coefficient between adjacent channels is better than -60dB. The performance of the fiber array-coupled detectors is comparable with a standalone detector coupled to a single fiber. Our method is promising for the development of scalable, high-performance, and high-yield SNSPDs.

Comparison of OnabotulinumtoxinA versus sacral neuromodulation for refractory urinary urge incontinence: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Both intradetrusor OnabotulinumtoxinA (BTX) and Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) as third-line therapies for urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) are increasingly being utilized. However, there are differences in preference between patients and medical personnel in clinical practice. This meta-analysis was designed to compare BTX versus SNM in treatment of UUI. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science from January 1, 1992 to April 22, 2018. Mean differences (MDs) and risk ratio (RR) with its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to compare the outcomes of the groups. All the MDs were after subtracting OnabotulinumtoxinA data from Sacral neuromodulation data. RRs were acquired from comparing OnabotulinumtoxinA data to Sacral neuromodulation data. Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data independently. All statistical analyses were performed using standard statistical procedures provided in Review Manager 5.2. This work has been reported in line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AMSTAR (Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews) Guidelines. RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled trials and two retrospective studies (N = 1649 participants) were identified for the present analysis. In change from baseline in UUI episodes (UUIE) per day, comparing BTX groups with SNM groups, the effects were observed through 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 month, with pooled MDs of -0.62, -0.55, -0.38, -1.02 and -0.50 respectively. In UUIE reduction post treatment, the pooled RRs of complete UUIE reductions through 4 and 6 months respectively were 5.13 and 6.63. Significant results were observed through overall times in more than 75% UUIE reduction. No significance was found in more than 50% UUIE reduction. Significant results were observed in urinary tract infection. More treatment satisfaction were found in BTX groups than that in SNM groups (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.29; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Generally, BTX seems superior to SNM in treatment of UUI but inferior regarding safety. Patients receiving BTX experienced a higher treatment satisfaction.

MicroRNA-185 inhibits the growth and proliferation of osteoblasts in fracture healing by targeting PTH gene through down-regulating Wnt/ß -catenin axis: In an animal experiment.

Fracture healing is a repair process of a mechanical discontinuity loss of force transmission, and pathological mobility of bone. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNA (miRNA) could regulate chondrocyte, osteoblast, and osteoclast differentiation and function, indicating miRNA as key regulators of bone formation, resorption, remodeling, and repair. Hence, during this study, we established a right femur fracture mouse model to explore the effect microRNA-185 (miR-185) has on osteoblasts in mice during fracture healing and its underlying mechanism. After successfully model establishment, osteoblasts were extracted and treated with a series of mimics or inhibitors of miR-185, or siRNA against PTH. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis were performed to determine the levels of miR-185, PTH, ß-catenin and Wnt5b. Cell viability, cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by means of MTT and flow cytometry assays. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay verified that PTH is a target gene of miR-185. Osteoblasts transfected with miR-185 mimics or siRNA against PTH presented with decreased levels of PTH, ß-catenin and Wnt5b which indicated that miR-185 blocks the Wnt/ß -catenin axis by inhibiting PTH. Moreover, miR-185 inhibitors promoted the osteoblast viability and reduced apoptosis with more cells arrested at the G1 stage. MiR-185 mimics were observed to have inhibitory effects on osteoblasts as opposed to those induced by miR-185 inhibitors. Above key results indicated that suppression of miR-185 targeting PTH could promote osteoblast growth and proliferation in mice during fracture healing through activating Wnt/ß -catenin axis.

Brassinosteroids are involved in controlling sugar unloading in Vitis vinifera 'Cabernet Sauvignon' berries during véraison.

Sugar unloading in grape berries is a crucial step in the long-distance transport of carbohydrates from grapevine leaves to berries. Brassinosteroids (BRs) mediate many physiological processes in plants including carbohydrate metabolism. Here, 'Cabernet Sauvignon' (Vitis vinifera L.) grape berries cultivated in clay loam fields were treated with an exogenous BR (24-epibrassinolide; EBR), a BR synthesis inhibitor (brassinazole; Brz), Brz + EBR (sprayed with EBR 24 h after a Brz treatment), and deionized water (control) at the onset of véraison. The EBR treatment sharply increased the soluble sugars content in the berries, but decreased it in the skins. The EBR and Brz + EBR treatments significantly promoted the activities of both invertases (acidic and neutral) and sucrose synthase (sucrolytic) at various stages of ripening. The mRNA levels of genes encoding sucrose metabolic invertase (VvcwINV), and monosaccharide (VvHT3, 4, 5 and 6) and disaccharide (VvSUC12 and 27) transporters were increased by the EBR and/or Brz + EBR treatments. Generally, the effects of the Brz treatment on the measured targets contrasted with the effects of the EBR treatments. The EBR and Brz treatments inhibited the biosynthesis of the endogenous BRs 6-deoxocastastarone and castasterone. Both EBR and Brz + EBR treatments increased the brassinolide contents, down-regulated the expression of genes encoding BRs biosynthetic enzymes BRASSINOSTEROID-6-OXIDASE and DWARF1, (VvBR6OX1 and VvDWF1) and induced BR receptor gene BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1 (VvBRI1) expression in deseeded berries. Together, these results show that BRs are involved in controlling sugar unloading in grape berries during véraison.

Marrow stromal stem cell autologous transplantation in denervated fracture healing: an experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of bone marrow stromal stem cell (BMSCs) transplantation on healing of fractures combined with central nerve injuries in rats. METHODS: Forty-eight healthy adult SD male rats were randomly divided into the following three groups (16 rats in each group): group A, simple (left) tibial fracture; group B, tibial fracture combined with T10 spinal cord transection (SCT); group C, tibial fracture combined with T10 SCT and BMSCs transplantation. The tibial fractures were stabilized with modular intramedullary nails and all operated hind limbs were further immobilized in plaster casts to prevent unequal load bearing. BMSCs were labeled with bromodeoxyuridine and implanted into the fractures of C group rats 2 days after creation of the model. The animals in B and C groups were evaluated by postoperative Tarlov scores. The fractured tibiae were evaluated separately radiographically (X-ray and CT) and immunohistochemically 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after injury to assess fracture healing. In addition, the wet weights of the left tibias were measured. RESULTS: All Tarlov score of the B and C group animals reached the requirements of the experiment. One, 2 and 3 weeks after surgery, the tibial callus widths in B and C group animals were significantly greater than those of group A rats (P < 0.05). At 4 weeks the tibial callus width in group C animals had decreased, but still differed significantly from that in group A rats (P < 0.05). One, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after surgery, the wet weights of B and C group tibias were significantly greater than those of group A (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections showed bony union and increased bone trabecula in B and C groups and areas with particles positive for alkaline phosphatase staining were more abundant in groups B and C, especially in group C. CONCLUSION: Neural regulation plays an important role in fracture healing. Treatment with BMSCs has a positive effect on defective callus in rats that have been subjected to SCT.

[Reconstruciton of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the middle term effectiveness of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation. METHODS: From February 2007 to January 2010, 65 patients including 6 males and 59 females with recurrent patellar dislocation received the MPFL reconstruction. The reconstruction was performed using ipsilateral semitendinosis tendon to restore the damaged MPFL. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively by physical and subjectively with the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee), Tegner, and Lysholm questionnaires and radiographic examination. RESULTS: The average follow-up duration was 20 months (ranged, 15 to 23 months). No recurrent episodes of dislocation or subluxation occurred. A firm endpoint to lateral patellar translation was noted in all patients at most recent follow-up. The Lysholm subjective knee evaluation score improved from (60.6 +/- 3.7) preoperatively to (89.8 +/- 4.6) postoperatively; and Tegner scores improved from (3.6 +/- 0.4) to (5.6 +/- 0.3), IKDC from (40.0 +/- 3.5) to (82.0 +/- 3.6). Radiographic evaluation demonstrated improvements in the congruence and sulcus femoral angles. CONCLUSION: MPFL reconstruction is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation.

[Study on the long-term effects of the quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone graft with screw fixation for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the long-term effects of the quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone graft with screw fixation for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults. METHODS: From 2002 to 2008, 38 patients with femoral neck fractures were operated. There were 22 males and 16 females, with an average age of 40 years (ranged 25 to 60 years). Twenty-six patients injured from high velocity road traffic accident, among which 14 patients injured in automobile accident, 8 in two wheeler accident and 4 in fall from height. Twelve patients had serious associated injuries. Femoral neck fractures were classified by Garden classification: 25 patients were Graden II and 13 patients were Graden III. Thirty-six patients underwent emergency operation and 2 had delayed operation. Clinical scores were evaluated based on Sanders scores and the radiological criteria which was judged by the diminution of density in the necrotic portion of the femoral head. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for at least 2 years (ranged 2 to 5 years). There were significant differences between preoperation and postoperation in pain, function, muscle power and walk ability. All the patients with fractures were healed in an average of 5 months after operation and walked without aids and no complications occurred. CONCLUSION: This technique provides a high union rate with a low complication rate. In addition, the surgical procedure is relatively simple and has a nice long-term result.

Changes in chloroplast ultrastructure, fatty acid components of thylakoid membrane and chlorophyll a fluorescence transient in flag leaves of a super-high-yield hybrid rice and its parents during the reproductive stage.

In plants, it is well established that chloroplast is one of the early targgeted organelles to breakdown during leaves senescing. Here we applied a newly developed super-high-yield hybrid rice (Oryza sativa) LiangYouPeiJiu (LYPJ) and its parents lines to investigate changes in ultrastructure of chloroplasts, fatty acid composition of thylakoid membrane lipids and chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence transient in natural senescing leaves. We found that at full expansion of flag leaves in three lines, chloroplasts often showed oblong shapes with a typical membrane system of stroma and grana thylakoids, whereas their shapes had been changed from oblong to spherical during senescence. Our data showed that the initiation of senescence displayed accumulation of starch and an increase in the number and size of plastoglobuli with the damaged thylakoid membranes; subsequently, swollen thylakoid membranes in stroma and in grana with a significant increase in MDA content, and disorganization of thylakoid membrane system with significant changes in fatty acid composition of thylakoid membrane lipids were developed. Compared with its parents, the newly developed hybrid rice LYPJ had the highest capacity of carbohydrate transport from leaves (sources) to ears (sink), marked with the lowest accumulation of starch grains in the leaf chloroplasts, and the slowest senescing rate of chloroplast in overall leaf senescence process. Chl a fluorescence transients of three kinds of flag leaves were analyzed by so-called JIP-test. The results of analysis suggest that these findings inculding a high inherited activity of antioxidant enzymes and high photosynthetate transport to pretect chloroplast structure in the hybrid rice LYPJ have close relations to its super-high yield.