Effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the nutritional status of patients in a persistent vegetative state: A pilot study.

Purpose: This paper presents a preliminary study on whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can modulate the nutritional status of persistent vegetative state (PVS) patients (the primary endpoint) by regulating the intestinal flora and the metabolites, with the correlation between them also investigated. Methods: Seventy-six patients with PVS were selected and divided into the observation group (n = 38) and the control group (n = 38) by random numerical grouping. All subjects' stool samples were examined for metabolites and analyzed regarding the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content. All subjects' serum albumin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin levels were measured before and after the treatment. Nutrition risk screening 2002 was performed on all the subjects before and after the treatment and on the 30th and 90th days of the follow-up. Results: (1) Intestinal flora structure: the Chao index, Ace index, and Shannon index of the observation group and the control group were significantly higher (p < 0.05), while the Simpson index was significantly lower (p < 0.05) following the treatment. (2) Metabolites of the intestinal flora: the observation group had significantly higher levels of acetic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid (p < 0.05), as well as lower levels of propionic acid (p < 0.05) following the treatment. (3) Nutritional status (the primary endpoint): following the treatment, the above serum nutritional indices were significantly higher in both groups (p < 0.05), while the indices of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The rTMS method may improve the nutritional status of patients with PVS by regulating the structure of the intestinal flora and affecting the level of SCFAs through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The possible mechanism involves how high-frequency rTMS can cause increased excitation in the frontal lobe of the right side of the brain, thus regulating the 5-hydroxytryptamine and norepinephrine levels.

Visible-Light-Induced Alkylarylation of Unactivated Alkenes via Radical Addition/Truce-Smiles Rearrangement Cascade.

We disclosed a visible-light-induced alkylarylation reaction of unactivated alkenes via a metal-free radical addition/aryl translocation cascade sequence. Distal olefinic sulfonate was designed as a unique molecular scaffold allowing for a domino process to synthesize valuable alkylarylated alcohols in good yields with excellent diastereoselectivity, featuring mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group tolerance. The mechanism investigation suggests that a visible-light-induced radical chain process dominates the cascade transformation.

Cyclin G2 promotes the formation of smooth muscle cells derived foam cells in atherosclerosis via PP2A/NF-κB/LOX-1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of cyclin G2 (G2-type cyclin) in the formation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) derived foam cells. METHODS: The levels of α-SMA (alpha-SM-actin), p-NF-κB (phosphorylation nuclear transcription factors kappa B), and LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1) were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The mouse aortic root smooth muscle cell line MOVAS was transfected to over-express cyclin G2, which were then stimulated with 80 µg/mL ox-LDL (oxidized low-density lipoprotein) to induce foam cell formation. DT-061 an activator of PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A) agonist was used to verify the role of PP2A in the process. RESULTS: Knocking out the Ccng2 gene in Apoe-/- mice alleviated aortic lipid plaque, foam cell formulation, ameliorative body weight, and LDL-cholesterol. We observed that the number of α-SMA positive cells was significantly decreased in Apoe-/-Ccng2-/- mice compared to Apoe-/- mice. Also, the protein levels of p-NF-κB and LOX-1 were markedly reduced in the aortic root of Apoe-/-Ccng2-/- mice. Upon stimulation with ox-LDL, upregulated cyclin G2 increased the intracellular lipid accumulation in MOVAS cells. Also, it suppressed the activity of PP2A but up-regulated LOX-1. Additionally, the cell nuclear translocation of p-NF-κB was increased. Interestingly, DT-061 intervention, re-activating the activity of PP2A, reduced the levels of nuclear p-NF-κB and LOX-1. This led to decreased lipid endocytosis reducing the formation of VSMCs- derived foam cells. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclin G2 increases the nuclear translocation of p-NF-κB by reducing the enzymatic activity of PP2A and upregulating LOX-1, thereby promotes the formation of VSMCs -derived foam cells in atherosclerosis.

Effects of early intravenous low-dose of metoprolol on cardiac sympathetic activities and electrophysiological properties in myocardial infarction heart.

This study observed the effects of early intravenous low-doses of metoprolol on cardiac sympathetic activities and electrophysiological properties in myocardial infarction (MI) dogs. Thirty two mongrel dogs with the first diagonal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery ligated were randomly divided into three groups: The low-dose group was given metoprolol 0.6 mg/kg immediately by intravenous injection (n=12); the target-dose group was given metoprolol 1.6 mg/kg (n=12), and the control group was injected with normal saline at the same dose of the target-dose group (n=8). Norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) levels in the coronary sinus (CS) blood as well as the ventricular effective refractory period (ERP) were all measured during the experiments. We found that NE and E concentrations in the three groups were all increased compared with the previous measurement before ligation. ERP values after MI were significantly decreased in all three groups compared with the first measurements. The three groups all exhibited uneven shortness of ERP among different regions, with significant shortness in infarcted area. Furthermore, there was no difference between the low and target-dose of metoprolol in the reduction of regional ERP, and the same effect was also observed in induced arrhythmias. In conclusion, a lower dose of metoprolol performed similarly as target-dose in reducing the catecholamine concentrations in dogs with MI. Our study demonstrated that a lower dose of metoprolol may be reasonable compared with the target-dose in ß-blocker therapy due to similar effect and lower toxicity.

[Study of relationship between (Ca+Zn)/P of pure titanium surface coating and biological activity of osteoblasts].

PURPOSE: To study osteoblast (MC3T3-E1 cells) adhesion, proliferation and differentiation activity on the surface of pure titanium with different (Ca+Zn)/P ratios, and determine Ca, P, Zn contents offering best biological activity on pure titanium surface. METHODS: In the micro-arc oxidation electrolyte, Ca, P with a certain concentration, and 5 different concentrations of Zn (0, 0.01, 0.03,0.04, and 0.06 mol/L) were added, which made the mole ratio of Ca and P element close to the ratio of hydroxyapatite. (Ca+Zn)/P ratio of bioactive coating on 5 different pure titanium material surfaces were prepared, which named S0 and S1, S2, S3 and S4 group, respectively. The surface elements, existence form, (Ca+Zn)/P ratio and surface morphology were analyzed by XPS and SEM; MC3T3-E1 cells adhesion, proliferation and differentiation cultured on the material surface were analyzed by SEM, MTT method and ALP activity assay. RESULTS: The data was analyzed with SPSS13.0 software package. With the increase of Zn content in the electrolyte, (Ca+Zn)/P ratios were 2.94, 2.64 2.71, 2.87 and 2.72 in S0-S4 group, respectively. (Ca+Zn)/P ratio was maximal in S3 group and decreased in S4 group. MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation capacity on material surface of 5 groups changed in the following order: 3>S4>S2>S1>S0, with significant differences among 5 groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Coating with different concentrations of Ca, P, Zn on pure titanium surface by micro-arc oxidation technique, the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation ability of osteoblast increase as (Ca+Zn)/P ratio increase, and cell biological activity is the best when the (Ca+Zn)/P ratio reached 2.87.

Outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients ≥ 75 years: one-center study in a Chinese patient group.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and perioperative characteristics of patients ≥ 75 who undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and to evaluate the risk factors related to short-term post-PCI mortality in this specific patients group. METHODS: 1,035 consecutive subjects who underwent PCI from December 2011 to November 2013 were divided into four categories: (1) patients with stable angina (SA) ≥ 75 years (n = 58); (2) patients with SA < 75 years (n = 218); (3) patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) ≥ 75 years (n = 155); (4) patients with ACS < 75 years (n = 604). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to detect risk factors of six-month mortality in patients ≥ 75 years who had undergone PCI. Clinical comorbidities, in-hospital biochemical indicators, perioperative data, in-hospital and six-month outcomes were analyzed and compared among the four groups. RESULTS: Compared with the younger group, patients ≥ 75 years were more likely to have hypertension, history of stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral vascular disease, cardiogenic shock and malignant arrhythmia, and they were admitted to hospital with relative lower weight, hemoglobin, albumin, triglyceride, higher creatinine, uric acid, urea nitrogen and pro-BNP. Left main artery lesions, multi-vessel, calcified lesions, chronic totally occlusion were also more likely to be seen in the elderly group. Univariate analysis revealed that age ≥ 85 years, cardiogenic shock or severe arrhythmia at admission, emergency PCI, prior stroke and chronic kidney disease were related to six-month mortality in elderly patients ≥ 75 years who underwent PCI. Multivariable logistic regression showed that cardiogenic shock or severe arrhythmia at admission, chronic kidney disease and prior stroke were independent risk factors predicting six-month mortality in elderly patients ≥ 75 years who had undergone PCI. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that, compared with patients under 75 years, elderly patients (≥ 75 years) who had undergone PCI had a relative higher risk of mortality, and more often accompanied with multi-comorbidities, severer admission conditions and complex coronary lesions. Better evaluation of risk factors and more intensively care should be taken to patients ≥ 75 years who had undergone PCI therapy to reduce complications.

[Study of relationship between different contents of zinc and antibacterial activity on calcium phosphate coating modified by plasma electrolytic oxidation method].

PURPOSE: Calcium phosphate activity coating containing different contents of zinc was deposited onto the surface of pure titanium modified by plasma electrolytic oxidation. The physical and chemical properties of different contents of zinc were compared among three groups, and the influence on antibacterial activity of P.gingivalis (Pg) and A.actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) was evaluated. METHODS: Pure titanium samples were treated in the electrolyte of plasma electrolytic oxidation with 0.08 mol/L calcium and 0.06 mol/L phosphorus, and 0.01, 0.03, 0.05 zinc was added to each group in order to deal with pure titanium plate. Titanium samples were divided into three groups: low, middle and high group according to zinc contents. The group without zinc was as control. The binding force of coating and titanium was tested by electric universal test machine. The topography of surfaces was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The crystalline structure of surfaces was determined by XRD. The chemistry and elements of surfaces were determined by XPS. Pg and Aa were seeded onto samples surfaces, and the antibacterial properties of four kinds of materials were evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy and the paster method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 13.0 software package. RESULTS: It was found that the aperture and roughness were increased with the increase of content of zinc. The crystallization of low zinc group was superior to high zinc group. The content of HA and Zn3P2 in low zinc group was more, but ZnO in high zinc group was more. Scanning electron microscope demonstrated that the number of Pg and Aa decreased on the surface with the increase of the content of zinc, while the bacteria of high zinc group underwent lysis and necrosis. By using the paster method, the number of Pg and Aa decreased on the surface with the increase of the content of zinc, and there was significant difference among the four groups. CONCLUSIONS: The change of zinc content will change the physical and chemical properties of the coating; at the same time, the antimicrobial property of calcium phosphate coating with high content zinc was the best.

[A clinical retrospective analysis of dental implants replaced in previously failed sites].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes as well as related factors of dental implants replaced in previously failed sites. METHODS: A total of 12 patients (15 implants) who received replacement in previously failed sites during January 2005 to December 2011 were included. Outcomes of redo-implants were collected and clinical data was recorded and analyzed regarding risk factors related to redo-implants' survival using SPSS13.0 software package. RESULTS: The survival rate of redo-implants was 100% [(33.5±15.4) months]. The mean redo-implant diameter (4.5±0.6) mm was significantly larger than the previous one (4.1±0.7) mm (P<0.05). The mean survival time of implants placed for the first time was (12.9±15.9) months. Implant replacement occurred (6.8±4.4) months after original implant removal. No significant influence was observed on patient and implant-related factors as well as surgery and prosthesis-dependent factors. CONCLUSIONS: Reimplantation in previously failed site is considered as one of feasible prosthesis plans, and surgeons ought to get enough confidence to achieve satisfactory implant survival rates. Supported by Liaoning Provincial Natural Science Foundation (20092093), Liaoning Provincial Science and Technology Foundation (2012225090), and Shenyang Science and Technology Foundation (F11-264-1-25, F12-277-1-18).

[An assessment of different crown-to-implant ratio for implant teeth in the posterior region over 5 years].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of crown-to-implant ratio (C/I ratio) on the results of restoration in the posterior region. METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2012,119 patients with 208 ITI implants in the posterior region were followed up for 6-66 months. Implant restorations were divided into three groups according to their respective clinical C/I ratios after noble porcelain-fused-to-mental crown restoration: C/I ≤1,11.5. Cumulative survival rate was calculated by life-table analysis. SPSS 13.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean clinical C/I ratio of 208 implants was 1.07±0.24, with maximum C/I of 1.8 and C/I of 0.6, 9.6 percent; of 208 implants had biomechanical complications. Differences among three groups were not statistically significant in annual crestal bone loss and biomechanical complications. In addition,implant cumulative survival rate in C/I ratio>1 was 97.6 percent;,and 98.8 percent; in C/I≤ 1. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical C/I ratio does not significantly influence peri-implant crestal bone loss and biomechanical complications, implant restorations with C/I ratios>1 is successfully used in the posterior areas in this study.